It’s a sad fact of life that many people don’t like change. It makes them feel uncomfortable and potentially creates situations that are embarrassing or confusing. This is the primary reason why some businesses are slow to change, even when the world around them is.
Understanding Gender Bias
Today it is much more acceptable to talk about gender issues, such as gender bias or the fluidity of gender. That has allowed people to speak up and highlight cases of gender bias.
Put simply, this is when one sex is favoured over another. It’s worth noting that, in many cases, this is an unconscious bias, not an intentional one. Although, this isn’t always the case.
If you find yourself facing gender bias at work then you’ll want to take steps to deal with it. Your first move may be the most surprising but it helps to talk to employment lawyers. They can guide you through the best way to fight gender bias while remaining within the confines of employment law.
Education
It’s common for employees to attend a variety of training courses throughout the year. Many are designed to improve safety and other procedures at work. Fighting gender bias starts with a training course.
This is the best way to tell people about the issue and help people to see that they are doing it. As mentioned, in many cases people aren’t aware they are doing it. Educating allows people to understand what gender bias is and where it is appearing in the workplace.
You don’t have to wait for management to start the process, you can ask them to do this.
Talk To The Person
If you feel that someone has been gender biased toward you then it’s time to ask them about it directly. You don’t need to do it in front of everyone. Simply arrange a meeting with the manager and tell them you think they are being gender biased and why.
Because this is often an unconscious bias many people will change after their actions have been pointed out to them.
Consult HR
If pointing it out hasn’t worked and your company has an HR department, then you need to talk to them. It can be informally initially and then you can advance to a formal complaint.
Just remember to list the incidence and exactly what happened.
Remember, if HR doesn’t help you then you have an employment lawyer on standby to assist.
Make Yourself More Visible
Fighting gender bias generally means making yourself more visible to those that need to make decisions. In short, go to every meeting you can, occupy a middle seat to assist you in talking, and make sure you speak up.
It’s much harder for someone to be gender biased when everyone sees how good you are.
If you’re still finding it hard to get a word in edgeways or be listened to then consider getting a friendly male colleague to help, by redirecting questions to you.