What do I do about gender discrimination in a small company (25 people)?

Anonymous

November 2,2023 at 1:57AM UTC

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What do I do about gender discrimination in a small company (25 people)? Our HR department is one person and they are part of the discrimination I have experienced. The conversations I have heard at work by some in leadership are about how women often complain and say things aren’t fair. So, I’ve kept my mouth shut and just tried to be excellent and professional in my role hoping to earn promotion and opportunities on my own merits. But I found out today I’m getting passed up for projects that I am far more qualified for (I have a Master’s degree in the topic) and more seniority in the company (I’ve been there two years, this gentleman was hired last month.) I don’t feel like there is an advocate for me within my company. What resources are out there to help? (And important note is that I am the main source of income for my family so I can’t just up and quit.)

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AnonymousNovember 2,2023 at 2:34AM UTC
You can try the EEOC or states labor board or speak with an attorney but unless there is tangible proof, witnesses and substantial damages attributable to the discrimination I'm not sure there is anything you can do. It may be time to look for a more suitable job.
Sherice StewartNovember 3,2023 at 12:07AM UTC
From what you're describing it sounds like your current workplace have a closed minded view as it relates to promoting women in the workplace (harsh reality that I know all too well being a woman in a male dominated field like IT. Keep being your amazing self and start looking for roles with another company where you see women in leadership, that lets you know that the culture is a good fit for you.
Jessica CardNovember 3,2023 at 1:10PM UTC
There are some TikTok users, like "@lawyerpaige" and "@attorneyryan," that can offer helpful advice on this topic. They're a good starting point.
Dr. Patty GrossNovember 3,2023 at 2:07PM UTC
There are many "get arounds" for small businesses with less than 25-50 employees. They aren't required to provide many of the same benefits as larger companies (like FMLA or UI, depending on what state it is). EEO may be another area where they are exempt, but I don't know. Aside from discussing this with an attorney to see if you would have a legally valid case, I'm not sure there is much you can do there, which leaves you with either accepting it even though it doesn't give you much of a future, or looking outside for another job. I'm not saying to quit, but you can start networking. Since you have a Master's degree, start looking through its alumni website to see what it offers regarding career services. If they have a chapter near your home, it could be a great place to network. You can still look and network on your own time while still working. Just don't do it at work. If you get an interview, take the morning off (with PTO) because you have an "appointment." (You don't have to say what kind of appointment, so it's not a lie if that bothers you.)
The bottom line is since you are the primary source of income, you need to protect what you have and find ways to better your situation. It will not happen where you are. They have already shown their hand.
Ashley SmithNovember 3,2023 at 4:02PM UTC
The best advice I’ve heard in situations like this is: hire a lawyer first, then talk to HR. HR is for the company, not the employee.