It may be a surprise for someone, but women rights are still violated when it comes to landing a job. Some employers think that women are more limited in their abilities, that is why they often refuse and avoid hiring females.
Why is it happening? And what are the main reasons?
Table of Contents
The Essence of the Problem
PwC has made a research and got the next results. Nowadays, women are less likely to land a head position. Furthermore, it is tough for them to get a job. From the entry to the highest level, women are more discriminated in favor of men.
Such a problem does not depend on the qualification and skill level, as people with various degrees get the job. It does not depend on the CV point, as a lot of job seekers land a job even using basic CV templates. It happens because of unfairness and prejudice.
The analysis also states that 21 percent of women have personally experienced gender discrimination when applying for a job. For example, almost 20 percent felt discrimination while the first job seeking, 22 percent of job movers claimed the same. Even senior women affirm that they doubt of having equal chances as males.
The Principal Concern
One more research made by the Equality and Human Rights Commission discovered some interesting opinions from the employers.
The third part of respondents said that it is okay to ask a woman about her status and plans of having children. Almost 60 percent prove that a woman is obliged to tell if she is pregnant, or is going to be. 46 percent think that it is alright to ask a woman about small children.
Rebecca Hilsenrath, the chief executive of the EHRC, says that actions of employers, like not hiring women because of pregnancy or asking a question about it are unlawful. However, women keep on facing such barriers during job searching.
The study also noticed that about 45 percent of employers expect women to work for them for at least one year before getting pregnant. The same number believes that women with more than one pregnancy or child are a ‘burden’ for the organization.
Other Issues
Women are depreciated not only while pregnant. Hirers and employees have some more thoughts about why women are less represented in the business.
The reasons, explaining the ignoring of women in the industry, are various. Some of them are even ridiculous. A quarter of respondents claims that a particular job field is attractive for men only. More than 20 percent of employers claim that women do not have a big aspiration for a job as men do.
It may seem strange, but one more reason lays in women’s mind. The words matter – such an interesting conclusion was made when investigating more into job description and requirements. Some words in the text push women away and make them think they are not qualified or skilled enough for the position.
For example, the word ‘build’ attracts men more, when the word ‘create’ draw women’s attention. Such confusions are also reflected in the words ‘competitive’ and ‘leader’, which are familiar with the male gender. In its’ turn, words ‘support’ and ‘social’ make women demonstrate such skills.
The only thing to advise in such case is do not give up early and try yourself in various careers and positions.
Bottom Line
The discrimination against women does not stop during years. The employers try to explain such an occurrence with different reasons – lack of knowledge and skills, inappropriate work for women and so on. When actually, it is about the effect of gender stereotypes and concerns about maternity leave and costs.