Analysis
Many women fought for decades for equal rights in the workforce, and that struggle continues today. According to the Canadian branch of Catalyst, women earn roughly 8, 000 dollars less than men for doing work of equal value. (Olive) As the results of the survey indicate 37% of respondents weren’t aware of this wage gap, and many agree that this is still a very big problem. To add, the results of the survey also show that a quarter of all respondents felt that they are not treated equally at work when compared to the opposite sex. In addition, a total of 47% of respondents felt that their workplace was not gender inclusive.
treated equally at work when compared to the opposite sex. In addition, a total of 47% of respondents felt that their workplace was not gender inclusive. According to the United Nations, this gender wage gap in Canada is twice the global average. (Olive) As well, it is predicted by WEF that it will take approximately 170 years to close this gap. (Olive) Leadership positions and promotions, and management positions was a very common response to the survey question, ‘Are there any specific fields in the workplace where you feel men and women are not treated equally?’ Further proving the notion of a glass ceiling in the workplace for women. This can be seen especially when you look at the lack of women in upper management or political positions. In Canada, women only make up 26% of parliamentarians. (Olive) Another issue is the discrimination pregnant or new mothers face, even though it goes against the Canadian Human Rights Act, it still happens. (Canadian) Discrimination can take many forms, and the person discriminating may be doing it purposely or indirectly. For example if an organization treats a women deliberately on the chance that she is or may become pregnant. This stems from negative biases about pregnancy, and beliefs about what women are and aren’t capable of doing. In some cases the discrimination is even more subtle, like a company telling a temp agency not to send them female workers who are or look like they might be pregnant. (Forms...) Other examples of discrimination would be when a breastfeeding mother is asked to stopped breastfeeding wherever she may be. (Forms...) One of the most common stereotypes that respondents were familiar with was how women are