One of the more notable issues plaguing working women today is gender equality. Many offices operate under a gender bias that negatively impacts the performance of a female employee. This issue existed for many years now and has made great strides thanks to gender equality advocacy. However, it is an issue that persists even today.
Many companies have taken great efforts to level the playing field for their employees. Companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google are widely known for their inclusive workplace culture. But there are many companies that either don’t know about gender equality or do not have the means to address the issue.
This article helps make people aware of the issue that is gender equality and why it is a negative for companies. It also lists out how any company can use available technologies to solve the problem.
The need for gender equality advocacy
One of the more notable issues plaguing working women today is gender equality. Many offices operate under a gender bias that negatively impacts the performance of a female employee. This issue existed for many years now and has made great strides thanks to gender equality advocacy. However, it is an issue that persists even today.
Today’s world is one where gender equality remains highly relevant and necessary for several reasons.
- Continual gender disparities
- Violence and harassment against female employees
- Stereotypes and expectations
- Cultural transformation
- Women’s empowerment
How technology helps in gender equality advocacy
Technology is essential in promoting workplace gender equality and creating an inclusive workplace culture. It provides employees with the tools, opportunities, and platforms needed to address the issues they face. Listed below are the ways technology helps
Online education and training
Technology makes it easy for anyone to access online education and better themselves. Access to a near-limitless supply of knowledge is a significant boon to any female employee. Now, they can learn new skills or develop the ones they have to advance their careers. Here, they can access learning material regardless of their time and geographical restraints.
Bias mitigation in hiring
Tools using AI assist companies in hiring competent employees based on their skills and not their gender. These tools look at data like the applicant’s qualifications and skills. This approach helps companies make informed decisions and hire the right candidate for the role.
Mentorship platforms
Organizations can help their female employees get in touch with mentorship platforms and create connections. Here, the employees can interact and network with professionals who can guide them on their journey. These platforms help women gain insight and access opportunities that were not accessible otherwise.
Flexible working options for parents
Parents work throughout the day with almost no time to rest. There is almost no end to the work they deal with every day. Companies should understand that and give them the flexibility needed to balance their work at the office and home. Mothers especially have to balance a fine line between taking care of the family and meeting the organization’s goals. Companies that help parents maintain this balance see an increase in productivity and greater employee loyalty.
The role of a women’s safety app helps companies ensure gender equality
A women’s safety app addresses the safety concerns a company may have and create an inclusive workplace culture. Take I’m Safe for example: it is a women’s safety app on the surface. However, its features also contribute to a company’s gender equality efforts. It helps by
Preventing discrimination and harassment
I’m Safe’s primary function is to prevent any form of harassment and discrimination against women. The tool is ideal for female employees for reporting workplace incidents safely and anonymously. It also fosters a sense of accountability within the office and ensures that the necessary action is levied against the perpetrator.
Encourage bystander intervention and reporting
Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles to ensuring gender equality in the office is the underreporting of workplace incidents. Often, some employees see something bad happen to a coworker but fail to take action. Such a mindset only encourages the guilty person to continue what they’re doing as there is no one to report them. That all changes with I’m Safe. Through a feature like anonymous reporting, a coworker can immediately report another co-worker’s actions to the relevant person. The app empowers men and women in the office to report workplace incidents without fear of reprisal.
Creating awareness
At its core, I’m Safe is a tool that holds employees accountable for their actions. Many employees who harass and discriminate against women often get by thanks to lax preventative measures in their organization. I’m Safe covers up those holes and shines a light on the perpetrator for everyone to see.
Emergency assistance
Another of I’m Safe’s most notable features is the SOS option. This feature helps female employees alert their closest contacts when they are in danger. This information helps people take immediate action and prevents things from getting worse.
Feedback mechanic
The anonymous reporting feature helps companies see the faults in their organizational structure and take appropriate measures. They can use the feedback to improve their structure and take a step towards creating an inclusive workplace culture.
Conclusion
Tools, like I’m Safe, are essential in today’s world as it helps gender equality take a step forward. It is only through integrating this system into a typical organization can a company come closer to creating an inclusive workplace culture. In this environment, everyone has equal rights and opportunities and everyone has the tools they need to succeed.