Issues that are impacting gender inequality in the workplace
Gender inequality in the workplace is an ongoing issue all over the world.
According to a survey done by Career Junction in 2019, South Africa still has a long way in ensuring equality in the workplace for all individuals regardless of their gender. Women still face gender discrimination in forms of; sexual harassment, unequal pay and parenting issues in the workplace. And although the survey shows that women are more educated than men, they are still seen as less than.
It is up to employers to find ways in which they can create an environment where women are treated as equals to their male counterparts. Read our article below to see what the top issues are that fuel gender inequality, and how business owners can create gender equality in the workplace.
Women aren’t given the same opportunities as men
Although women have proven themselves to be valuable assets in society and at a workplace, they are still not receiving the same opportunities as men. This is one of the major challenges of gender equality, which is still part of the reality for most women. While some women are more educated than their male colleagues, they are the last ones to be considered when there is a promotion. Not only is it because they are seen less than because of their sexual orientation but because there are a few women representatives in higher positions that it seems unattainable for women in the workplace.
Unequal pay
Apart from not receiving the same opportunities as men in the workplace, women are also paid less. According to an article by News24, reports prove that on average, women in South Africa earn 25 percent less than men. The industry they work in also plays a role in the pay gap, as women in the hospitality and retail industry are subjected to unequal pay than those who are in transport and information technology. The report also shows that women in management positions earn 21 percent less than men who are in the exact position. This percentage does not change regardless of the education level.
Family responsibilities
Starting a family is a goal for men and women; however, because of gender roles, it has become the responsibility of the women alone. In South Africa, many businesses do not cover maternity leave; women need to rely on UIF, and it is up to the employer whether they will pay the employee when on maternity leave. On the other hand, most companies don’t have any procedures put in place for men who wish to take paternity leave. This is because it’s been conditioned to assume women need to be the ones taking time off work to take care of the family. This creates gender inequality at work because it is assumed that women need to put their careers on hold while men continue to work.
Although starting a family is a choice, it still is unfair to women; it is a mutual decision between both genders. Businesses need to start offering the same treatment for both women and men in the office when it comes to taking time off for family responsibilities. Either that or they need to offer more support to mothers in the workplace to ensure they can further their careers regardless if they start a family, just like their male colleagues. This can be achieved by having flexible schedules, more family responsibility leave, and paying for maternity leave.
How to promote gender mainstreaming [H2]
To ensure your company treats women equality, workplace differences need to be addressed, and gender mainstreaming needs to be made a priority. This means:
- Empowering women within your company.
- Promoting and offering capable women higher positions within the organisation.
- Offer project funding for women to lead business ventures within the company and create a space where women can be innovative.
- Create policies that support women and their differences; be it child care, flexible hours, better work and life balance.
- Partner up and do business with a company that strives for the same equality.
- Create knowledge sharing forums where women can actively participate and discuss the issues they are facing.
Final thoughts
There may be challenges of gender mainstreaming within the company; however, it is important that you educate all your employees on the importance of equality and women empowerment.
Ensure that male counterparts understand the need for equality by educating them on the issues women face in the corporate world on a day to day basis. Being open about these issues can help ensure that gender inequality decreases within your company. And remember, that an office that celebrates difference and is fair is not only good business practice, but it ensures that you foster a good work environment for all your employees.