Gender discrimination in overt forms (e.g. Lack of gender sensitive infrastructure) has ostensibly vanished but it has assumed subtle forms.

• Subtle gender discrimination manifests through attitudes and behaviors that seem supportive but reinforce traditional gender roles and perpetuate inequality.

Subtle Forms of Gender Discrimination 

• Compliments that Reinforce Stereotyping: Positive comments that reinforce traditional gender roles and undermine women’s capabilities.
• Hiring, Promotion, and Evaluation: Unconscious bias towards male candidates for roles traditionally perceived as requiring physical strength or leadership.
• Microaggressions: Small innocuous comments that reinforce gender stereotypes, For instance, implying that women are less committed to their careers due to family reasons.
• Work-Life Balance Assumptions: Assumptions about work-life balance needs might affect women more due to societal expectations around caregiving and family responsibilities.

Addressing Subtle Forms of Gender Discrimination 

• Blind evaluation: E.g. Hiding a job applicant’s physical attributes 
• Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: Promoting workplace that respects input from everyone regardless of gender.
• Assess unconscious gender bias at workplace: Through a variety of methods, including perceptions surveys, language analysis, analysis of gender gaps in pay and career advancement.
• Need to Change male mindset: Through wider gender sensitization.