It seems a bit unbelievable that we managed to reach 2019 without an internationally accepted definition of sexism. So we asked Jacqui Hunt, European director of Equality Now, an NGO that works to protect the rights of women and girls, why a definition is so important. If sex discrimination occurs in any of the following situations, it is illegal and you may be able to take action: It is not illegal to restrict a sporting activity to one sex only if a member of one sex can refuse physical contact with a person of the opposite sex. For example, it is not illegal for a self-defense class to be limited to female participants. The recommendations adopted by the Council of Europe are a direct result of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, which have really highlighted the fact that sexism is persistent and global. Hunt added: “This is a growing recognition that our societies are indeed entrenched in sexism, and it`s a very good start on how to tackle it and take steps to move forward.” It is illegal for anyone offering goods, facilities or services in the UK to discriminate because you are a man or a woman. Affirmative action is legal if people with a protected characteristic: it is illegal for a public or private educational institution to discriminate against you based on your gender. This includes eligibility criteria, unless it is a same-sex institution. A major benefit of a clear definition of sexism is that it imposes a more general recognition that sexism is a problem and helps explain exactly what that problem is, what causes it, and how it can be treated. The recommendation also stressed that sexism is a manifestation of “historically unequal power relations” between men and women – leading to discrimination and preventing women`s full progression in society. A legal centre can offer free legal advice if you want to take on a case of gender discrimination.
If a lawyer at a legal centre represents you, you may be entitled to publicly funded legal services (legal aid in Scotland). Information on the nearest legal centre is available from the Law Centres Network in England and Wales and the Scottish Association of Law Centres in Scotland. In some situations, it is illegal to discriminate against you because you are married or in a registered partnership. He adds that sexism is “widespread and prevalent in all sectors and societies and… Sexism and sexist attitudes are rooted in and reinforce gender stereotypes. While there is no legal requirement to have a written inclusion and diversity policy, it`s a good idea to create one and actively use one. In some discrimination complaints, employers can be defended if they can prove that they took all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination. A comprehensive and up-to-date policy and relevant training will help employers distance themselves from responsibility for acts such as harassment by an offender they employ.
A policy also shows that the company takes seriously its legal and moral obligations to be a diverse and inclusive employer. It can also encourage employees to treat others equally. Various British media outlets have been identified as problematic in terms of sexism and gender discrimination – including the page 3 article of the British tabloid The Sun, which once consisted of a large photo of a glamorous topless model, usually published on the third page of the newspaper. In August 2012, the No More Page 3 campaign was launched, which sparked a wide debate and received strong support from Green MEP Caroline Lucas[11] and the support of more than 140 other MEPs. [12] The Committee of Ministers of the Council was careful to point out that sexism is prevalent in all areas of life – from education to advertising to the media. Justice, culture and sport, to name but a few. The measures included in the recommendation include legislative reforms to condemn sexism; defining and criminalising sexist hate speech; and provide appropriate remedies for people who have experienced sexist behaviour. For example, it is illegal for someone to discriminate against you when you buy something in a store or on the Internet, when you make a phone request, or when someone gives you written information. In general, it is illegal for pubs and clubs to discriminate against men or women, although there are some exceptions for private clubs. Everyday sexism, he says, is “part of a continuum of violence that creates a climate of bullying, fear, discrimination, exclusion and insecurity that limits opportunity and freedom.” Last week, the Council adopted a recommendation on preventing and combating sexism. It is illegal for a government agency to discriminate against you on the basis of your gender in the performance of any of its duties.
Public authorities include government agencies, local authorities, NHS trusts, courts, police and prisons. It is illegal to discriminate regardless of how goods and services are provided or whether you have to pay for them. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you on the basis of your gender. This includes all employers, regardless of the number of employees they employ. Most workers, including workers, agency workers, trainees and the self-employed, enjoy protection against discrimination on grounds of sex in the workplace.
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