Gender inequality at work is persistent around the world. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), globally women’s participation in the labor force is 47% as compared to men which is 72%. There is a difference of 25% and in some regions, this gap is more than 50%.
Many factors contribute to gender inequality at work. But the good thing is that companies and organizations can take steps to promote gender equality at work. To do so a culture of inclusivity needs to be adopted. Companies need to develop strategies and policies based on a gender lens.
This article provides steps that companies can adopt to promote gender equality at work. It is divided into two parts. Part one gives you three prerequisites that societies should focus on to promote gender equality in work. Part two discusses the steps companies can adopt to reduce gender inequality at work.
Prerequisites to Reduce Gender Inequality
1. Women Empowerment
Women’s empowerment is one of the prerequisites that will help to reduce gender inequality at work and in society. Empowerment improves the status of women. It improves their psychological and social status. It provides better educational opportunities, opens the door to political participation, and gives them access to the digital world.
Empowered women are more likely to take control of their own lives. They have the power to avail opportunities and stand for their rights in society and at the workplace.
Learn more about What is Wocmen’s Empowerment and How Can You Promote it.
2. Governmental Laws and Policies
Governmental laws and policies are another prerequisite that supports gender equality at work. It supports educational opportunities and provides a legal framework for businesses and organizations in society.
It ensures that every person regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, and age has equal work opportunities. Moreover, people at the workplace get equal treatment. This includes equal pay for equal work for women and men and a work environment that supports a balanced private and personal life.
3. Education
Education is the next mandatory prerequisite that provides a basis to reduce gender inequality at work. It is a powerful tool that plays a crucial role in breaking gender stereotypes and empowering women.
An inclusive educational system encourages girls to study all subjects, including STEM subjects. It not only addresses the gender gap in society but it empowers women and helps them to reach their full potential.
Steps to Reduce Gender Inequality at Work
1. Organizational Setup
An organization’s structure is mandatory to ensure that a company’s policies are aligned with national legislation that promotes gender equality at work. These policies can demonstrate commitment to different aspects of a company.
The structure of a company is crucial to provide equality, inclusion, and diversity. Companies that promote equality are more innovative and progressive. At this initial stage, companies should ensure that equal representation of women and men from top to bottom.
2. Implementing Company’s Policies
After the development of company policies, the next step is to recognize and implement the policies. This is possible when senior management shows commitment and ownership of such policies.
The devotion and dedication of senior management set the direction for a company. It further helps to integrate gender equality in the workplace. After the ownership of senior management, it is the role of middle management to ensure the implementation of such policies across the company.
3. Consider the Cultural Context
Studying the social and cultural norms of a society where the company intends to do business is always recommended. To do so it is important to understand the culture setting related to gender equality.
How residents respond to issues related to equality, movement, harassment, and reproductive and maternity health. Are there any religious or cultural sentiments attached to such topics? These are the questions that every company should look for.
To overcome these issues a company can educate its employees through seminars, workshops, and campaigns. In any case, a company should not ignore the associated risks.
4. Adopt Gender Neutral Hiring Practices
One of the most important steps that can reduce gender inequality at work is adopting a gender-neutral hiring process. First and foremost, companies should adopt gender-neutral language in the job description followed by a blind process for shortlisting the candidates.
Along with this, it is encouraged that the hiring panel should depict diversity. They should also be aware of conscious and unconscious bias.
5. Ensure Equal Pay Practices
Companies can ensure equal pay by developing and implementing strict equal pay policies. In many workplaces, women are paid less than men for the same work.
Hence, companies should value the work of an employee regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, or disability. Moreover, companies can adopt policies that show transparency in the salary structures.
6. Equal Career Advancement and Promotion
Women often face discrimination in the workplace when it comes to career advancement and promotions. There can be many reasons such as women are considered inferior or they are thought to be preoccupied with family responsibilities.
To overcome this issue companies should consider women and men equally for career development and promotions. This selection should be made on the individual’s skills and abilities rather than gender or marital status.
7. Flexible Working Arrangements
Another important step to reduce gender inequality at work is to offer a flexible working environment to women with children. This includes providing remote work options and flexible working hours.
Providing such flexibility can be a strong support for women to balance their personal and professional lives.
8. Occupational Segregation
Occupational segregation is the idea that women and men are focused on different roles and sectors. This is one of the reasons that strengthens gender inequality at work. Companies and organizations that don’t encourage diversity reinforce gender stereotypes through such practices.
Learn more about Occupational Segregation, Its Types and Examples
To discourage such ideologies, companies should focus on hiring diverse people in fields and roles that are dominated by one gender. For instance, women should be encouraged in STEM fields and leadership roles. Because these are high-paying fields and roles that are dominated by men.
Learn more about the Causes of Occupational Segregation
9. Facilitating Mothers
The participation of women in the labor force can be negatively impacted by their role as a mother. Mothers with newborns have to take leave or switch to part-time roles that pay less than their education and skills.
Motherhood penalty is a strong barrier for women to climb up the corporate ladder. To overcome this issue, Companies can go a step further to promote gender equality in the workplace by facilitating mothers. This can be done by supporting daycare centers and providing flexible working hours.
Facilitating mothers is the cornerstone of reducing gender inequality at work. It is also very helpful for women to reach their full potential.
10. Providing Transportation
In many developing societies around the world, women are willing to be part of the workforce. However, the lack of safe and economical transportation hinders their participation.
Businesses and organizations can overcome this challenge by providing transportation services to women. This will increase the ratio of women in the workforce and reduce gender inequality in the workplace.
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