Gender Equality in the Workplace

Hello friends,
Welcome to my blog, today!

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How can workplace culture impact gender equality?

Our workplace has different ways in which it affects and impacts gender equality. It can either be positive or negative. In either of the cases, let us get to see some of these impacts

Some Negative impacts of gender equality

1. Bias & Stereotyping - This is one thing that unconsciously happens in a workplace if caution isn't put in place. We can assume less for a particular gender and expect excellence thereafter. This automatically limits their productivity and opportunities given the purposeful lean support and resources released.

2. Exclusionary tendencies- We have to be intentional while building up a team with proper inclusion of all genders. Having a domineering gender pattern usually impacts the other when key decision-making is done.

3. Rigidity of workplace - The female gender is saddled with the responsibility of caregiving and is usually impacted if there is no flexibility in the workplace.

4. Sexual harassment and bullying - This is a silent performance killer if unchecked. Women are the most affected in this case and, especially all genders in their junior levels.

Some Positive impacts of gender equality

1. Inclusiveness- When all genders are ably represented by intentionally upholding inclusivity and diversity, there is a sure and improved cohesion during work.

2. Less Rigidity & More Flexibility - As explained above, this is where the female gender could balance their work life with caregiving roles.

What role do laws and policies play in achieving gender equality at work?

Workplace and government laws and guidelines have been designed to handle gender equality. These are some of the roles laws and policies play;

1. Prohibits Discrimination
   There are extant laws that help to bring consciousness to this matter. Hence, it prohibits any form of gender discrimination and Injustice in all affairs.
2. Advocating for equal remuneration
   Work done by different genders should come with equal remuneration. This shouldn't be done skewed in a manner that one gender earns more than the other for the same job done.
3. Allowing for family/caregiving leave
   We all know that this is one law that has gained ground presently. This is one way to allow for flexibility in our workplace.
4. Disallowing incidences of sexual harassment and bullying;
   Labor laws and other government guidelines should be strong on this. It should be well-enforced that culprits do not have a cool day without corresponding punishment.
5. Holding Employers Accountable;
   Employers should be the first line of enforcers on such matters, and when this is not done, they should be held accountable.

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How can men contribute to promoting gender equality in the workplace?

There are simple techniques I've come to understand that would help promote equality in the workplace;

1. As an employer, it is better to promote pay equality irrespective of. Gender differences.
2. Ensure that women are considered given their caregiver roles that tend to distort work-life. The availability of flexible work types should be encouraged.
3. Provide training and seminars that discourage bias and stereotypes. It tends to bring the desired consciousness among staffers.
4. Push for inclusiveness and diversity of everyone. This would help foster respect, empathy, and a better working environment.
5. Instill responsibility on heads of department and ensure stringent penalties on defaulters. They should be able to drive this focus diligently.

In summary, the role of laws and policies has helped in building the required consciousness in the enforcement of gender equality within our space. The need to promote this drive is one we all need to collectively enforce for a better representation of humanity.

Thank you...

I invite @chilaw, @suryati1, and @shiftitamanna