According to recent reports, about one third of a person’s life is spent at their workplace. In an era where job security is essential for working women in India, gender disparity is the strongest battle faced by them. Even though many people would disagree that there is gender bias in society, it is difficult for women who experience it on a regular basis in professional settings to live in denial.

How and when did gender discrimination originate?

It dates back to a time when women were expected to stay at home and care for the family. The social status of women was a step below the men as men were the sole breadwinners in any family. Over a period of time, more women started joining the workforce mostly to contribute financially to the family. This was probably the most difficult time for women to cope in the professional environment as they were not given major responsibilities and were often made fun of for being the weaker gender. These days women are passionate about the work they do and are coming forward in all areas and chasing their dreams. Still many people in the society have the mindset that the top priority of women is family and such treatment continues to happen with women even now.

Ways to minimize gender discrimination

If organizations take a conscious effort in acknowledging and addressing any sort of gender bias even in the form of harmless jokes or snide remarks or deliberately keeping women away from getting promoted to deserving positions, the gap can be reduced. Most of the time, individuals act from a place of conditioning and the mindset towards these topics have been ingrained in their minds for a long time. Only a deliberate effort to notice this on a more serious level will serve as a stepping stone towards change.

1.Educate everyone about gender bias

In any case, the first step towards change is creating awareness. Educating employees and employers about what is acceptable and what is not, is the first step the HR team can take. Whether it is a light joke or a silly opinion, these microaggressions need to be nipped in the bud for creating a safer space for all.

2. Create a safe environment to speak up

Often, women refrain from speaking up due to many reasons when they encounter gender-based harassment. It could be because of fear of authority, power dynamics within the organization, or to maintain a cordial professional environment. Likewise, such tactics are deliberately used sometimes to exert power and this is a serious concern. Organizations should have an unbiased panel that exclusively deals with issues related to gender bias.

3. Careful recruitment process

The recruiters should make a conscious effort in keeping the gender ratio equal and not refrain from hiring more women especially for more responsible roles. Both recruiters and applicants should consider the vocabulary they use in their resume since this sub consciously creates an impact. Gender charged terms like cooperative and competitive should be removed and more focus should be given on qualifications and professional achievements. Sadly, there is a silent practice in many organizations where the so-called “glass ceiling” does exist. Many recruiters and top-level managers confess that women staying away from the workforce due to maternity leave or other personal reasons like marriage or taking care of elderly parents, is a concern while considering them for a promotion.

4. Close the pay gap

The disparity in pay exists in many workplaces and it is more prevalent in fields where the remuneration has no set industry standards. For instance, many artists and professionals in the film industry face this even today and have openly spoken about it. Many artists have been denied work just because their remuneration is not on par with that of their male counterparts. It is strange that the case is the same across the East and West. It is high time that we as a society recognized the efforts put forth by all genders.

Whether it is a business pitch or an internal presentation, getting carried away while talking about good achievements is natural. The audience will lose interest when it gets too “braggy.” Understanding what your listeners already know and do not know and sharing information that is of value to them is sure to grab their attention.

Collective efforts to combat gender discrimination

In an organization, there needs to be a collective effort to stand up against any form of gender bias. The stress of calling out is often solely on the shoulders of the subject and this needs to change. Moreover, the outlook towards the issue needs to be addressed on an individual level. How the system handles such issues and responds to these by establishing a set of actionable steps in place is a good indicator of a workspace which prioritizes gender equality.

Being in a position of power comes with great responsibilities. Hence the concern needs to be seriously brought into the consideration of senior management in a measure to encourage more women to climb their way up the corporate ladder. We, as a society, should have more discussions regarding gender bias and welcome ideas to combat it with an open mindset.

Adopt a natural style

Rather than talking to a whole bunch, make eye contact with each individual. It is important to spot a few friendly faces at the beginning who are paying attention and talk to them. Gradually move to others so that they also feel engaged. This is also a good technique to overcome nervousness as it gives the feeling of talking to people individually. Moreover, practice makes a person perfect. A great way is to observe how seasoned speakers interact and engage with the crowd. Speaking in front of others is a skill that needs to be polished in order to excel in it.

The art of storytelling

Stories are a great way of connecting with your audience. Even the most complex concepts can be simplified by linking them to a story whether it is from the presenter’s personal experience or not. Mastering the art of storytelling comes in handy in these situations. The story needs to be narrated in a smooth way and be relatable.

Use humor

This is a great way to connect with the audience especially if they are not familiar with you. The importance of forming a connection, in the beginning, is being reiterated even if the speaker is nervous. Using humor is a great way to break the ice and make your audience comfortable. In case of skepticism around whether the joke will land well, a better alternative would be to ask a question. This gives the speaker also some time to pause and breathe, along with forming a bond with the audience.

Making a presentation memorable goes a long way in building and maintaining credibility with the listeners. There needs to be something that the audience can take away even after the presentation has ended. It could be a valuable piece of information or a solution to any of the existing problems. However, presentations are sure to stand out in the minds of the audience when delivered effectively.