Women bear the brunt of discrimination in the workplace

30/10/2008

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has recorded a significant increase in the number of complaints lodged in 2007/08, most notably from women, according to the Commission’s annual report tabled in Parliament today.

“The report shows that women continue to bear the brunt of discrimination, and are more likely to report sex and race discrimination, sexual harassment, and are particularly vulnerable as parents and carers,” said Dr Helen Szoke, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer. “We report an increase:

of around 40% in formal complaints relating to parental/carer status, with complaints by women accounting for around 70% of the total in this category.
in race discrimination complaints up 25% on last year.”

Discrimination based on ‘disability/impairment’ accounts for the most of the complaints investigated by the Commission (22%, slightly less than last year), with the workplace the most common setting for these complaints.

Of all complaints, 60% were employment-related with 46% arising from the private sector.

“The Commission believes that businesses and industry groups need more help to take the initiative on equal opportunity,” said Dr Szoke. “In the Commission’s submission to the Equal Opportunity Act Review we propose to work more closely with the private sector to make the process of compliance easier.”

One way this is already occurring, is through the introduction of The Family Responsibilities Amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act, in September 2008.

An education and training campaign is underway to inform employers of their legal requirements to consider requests for flexible work arrangements from an employees with family responsibilities.

“We know that fair workplaces enjoy high productivity, staff morale and customer satisfaction, more efficient service delivery and reduced costs associated with resolving a complaint,” said Dr Szoke.

Enquiries to our Advice Line in relation to the Victorian Charter for Human Rights and Responsibilities have almost doubled this year; another positive sign that people are becoming more aware of their rights and the services of the Commission.

“The Commission will continue to work with the Victorian community to tackle discrimination rather than waiting for a complaint to be lodged, said Dr Szoke. “To resolve complaints, we will ensure that the process is a flexible and as fast as possible.”

Dr Helen Szoke is available for interview.

Media contact: Janeen Lynch 0419 33 77 34