Equality at work is extremely important, and it is a right that we all have. It is forbidden for an employer to treat a woman any differently because she is pregnant, is anticipating pregnancy or has children. However, the sad fact is that statistics show that pregnancy and motherhood negatively affect a woman’s career both in the short and long term.
What do studies say about the treatment of women when pregnant?
Six out of 10 women were reported to have said that they felt that they were sidelined at work once people found out that they were pregnant. Another report found that 10 percent of low-paid women were actually demoted to a lower position after returning from maternity leave.
Will having a baby negatively affect my career?
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of women being treated poorly while they are pregnant is that fact that it can discourage them from continuing in their career after they have had their baby. Twenty-five percent of women do not return to the labor market after they become a mother, and it has been found that they are less likely to return if they received ill treatment during their pregnancy.
How can discrimination be tackled?
The biggest way that discrimination can be fought is by women standing up for their rights. The legal protections are in place; however, women either are not aware of the law, or they just do not stand up for justice and protect themselves. It is important to take action and remember that discrimination against pregnant women is not legal.
Source: TUC, “Ending discrimination at work for new mothers,” accessed Dec. 01, 2017