In today’s society, it is particularly great to be a woman. We see “The Future is Female” shirts plastered on social media, there are more female political candidates running for office, and it has become the social norm to advocate for women’s rights, by both women and men. In the past, the only people who fought for such things were deemed as “radical feminists”. The term “feminist” was considered a negative term by many. Now is an era of movements, such as “Times Up”, “Me Too” and Women’s Day rallies, where women’s rights are at the forefront of political and social endeavors. Despite these efforts, there are still a barrage of issues that women face, particularly in the workplace.
Pay Disparities
People may argue back and forth about whether there truly are disparities in the pay between men and women. The simple fact is that there are. It may not be easy to believe in a world that is so empowering to women that such inequalities exist and yet research proves year after year that women are paid less than men. A Pew Research Center study found that as of 2017, on average, women earned 89 cents per every dollar earned by a man. This is a major improvement from the average rate in 1980 when the average reflected a woman to earn 67 cents for every dollar a man earned. Women have been able to increase their average pay by 22 cents over the past 38 years. While it is certainly a victory, hopefully the gap can be closed completely.
Opportunities for Advancement
Aside from having a major pay gap, women are also impacted by sexism when being considered for promotions or being given important tasks. 42% of working women in America say that they have faced gender based discrimination in the workplace. In that same study, only 22% of men stated they have ever faced gender based discrimination in their workplace. 10% of women have reported that they have not been considered for important projects due to their gender, while 7% of women even reported that they were not considered for a job due to their gender.
Sexism will not stop if people continue to turn a blind eye.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace has become one of the leading social issues of 2018. The rise of the #MeToo movement has encouraged many women to come forward. Some women stand up against current sexual harassment they are experiencing. Others now speak out against harassment they have had to endure in the past. Despite most places of employment enacting policies against sexual harassment, it is still a major obstacle women must face. 62% of women who work in an environment with more male than female colleagues report that sexual harassment is a problem in their industry. An alarming 28% of women reported that they have been sexually harassed in the workplace.
Over the decades, sexism in corporate America has lessened, but there is still work to do before it stops completely. The shift must come from the current generations and then passed to the next. Sexism will not stop if people continue to turn a blind eye. Those who deal with it should feel empowered to speak up. Workers who see it need to step up. People who are acting inappropriately need to be taught how to correct it. Sexism will not stop tomorrow, but the younger generations can be taught how to fix it. Tomorrow’s workers shouldn’t have to face the same adversity.
Here is how you can help end sexism and advocate for equality for women in the workplace:
- If you are in a leadership position, encourage and/or develop training programs that teach the importance of a safe work environment and institute a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
- Research your state’s legislation and contact your local lawmakers. Vote for candidates that will prioritize equal pay.
- On a personal level, take a course or workshop on how to negotiate pay and ask for a pay increase if you feel you are not making what you are worth.
- Educate yourself on the laws that exist for workplace discrimination and take action if you are ever faced with it.
- Spread awareness and get involved. You can do this either in person by hosting a small gathering or utilize social media.
- Teach your sons and daughters the importance of equality.
- Pray for change!
