San Francisco Gender Discrimination Attorneys
In the past several decades there have been major strides toward gender equality, yet gender discrimination in the workplace continues to affect employees every day. Sex and gender discrimination laws protect both men and women from issues such as unequal pay, sexual harassment, and positional bias. State and Federal laws forbid unequal treatment based on a person’s gender in any aspect of employment.
Gender discrimination in the workplace can take place in a number of ways, such as:
- Being denied a promotion, pay raise, or training opportunities that are given to people of another sex who are equally or less qualified
- Being given less desirable assignments or opportunities for advancement
- Being left out of decision-making opportunities
- Being held to a different standard because of your gender
- Being given lower-paying or lower-ranking positions on account of your gender
- Derogatory comments, slurs, hostile remarks, or other verbal abuse about your gender
- Being criticized because you don’t act or present yourself in a way that conforms to traditional ideas of femininity or masculinity
- Being intentionally misgendered (i.e. repeatedly referred to as “her” when you have been asked to be called “him”)
- Being subjected to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal abuse
- Being more harshly criticized because of your gender
If you’d like to learn more about your rights, contact Jeannette for a free consultation at (415) 444-5800 or by filling out a confidential consultation form here.
FAQs About Gender Discrimination in California
Common examples include paying women less than men for equal work, denying promotions based on gender stereotypes or excluding employees from meetings or opportunities because of their gender. Other examples include making derogatory comments about someone’s gender or holding employees to different standards based on traditional gender roles.
First, document all incidents of discrimination with dates, witnesses and detailed descriptions. Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor, and keep records of your complaint and any responses you receive.
While not legally required, having an experienced employment attorney significantly improves your chances of success. Gender discrimination cases involve complex legal standards and procedural requirements that are best navigated with professional legal guidance.
After filing a complaint with the DFEH or EEOC, the agency will investigate your claim by reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses and potentially mediating between you and your employer. The investigation can take several months, and you’ll receive a determination letter outlining the agency’s findings.
Gender discrimination can have lasting impacts on your career trajectory, including reduced earning potential, limited advancement opportunities and damage to your professional reputation. Addressing discrimination promptly through legal channels can help protect your career and prevent ongoing harm.