Say no to sexism in the workplace

Gender-based discrimination has been ubiquitous and persistent in the workplace, putting women in disadvantage, particularly when it comes to childbearing. The issue of marriage and parenthood has grown to be a significant barrier to women’s career advancement. But there are fixes to lessen this injustice.

Women are frequently questioned about their marriage and family at job interviews. Not only is this a privacy infringement, but it does influence hiring decisions as well. Firms may be wary of hiring women because there is a concern that the possible maternity leave will increase the cost of running a business.

During my internship in the human resources department of a company, my mentor, Ella, shared her experience of missing out on two promotions due to having children.

She explained that the six-month maternity leave would have inherently challenged her ability to maintain her previous level of work performance. Additionally, the extended absence from the workplace disrupted her professional relationships with colleagues. As a result, reestablishing her presence and regaining her competitive edge for promotions proved to be a formidable task.

The demands of childrearing and household responsibilities persist even when women get their dream jobs. While maternity and nursing leaves may have an impact on the employer, women’s professional advancement shouldn’t become the victim.

To advance and support gender parity within the household and the workforce, Nordic nations champion a balanced allocation of parental leave. The implementation of policies for shared and compensated parental leave has reaped significant benefits, with Nordic fathers claiming more leave than their counterparts globally. This shift paves the way for more involved fathers and happier, healthier families.

I personally believe that fathers should enjoy the same length of leave as their spouses. This will enable men to share household obligations and lessen the disadvantages that women face during the recruitment process. The introduction of paternity leave will contribute to the dismantling of gender norms and provide women with more opportunities in the workforce.

To ensure parity in parental rights and benefits, legislation should be enacted to provide equal support for both men and women. Only in this way can gender equality be fully realized and the “either/or” issue women faced in the workplace be eliminated.