Workplace Diversity

Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own. Dimensions of workforce diversity include but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, martial status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience, and job classification. In the workplace, valuing diversity means creating a workplace that respects and includes differences, recognizing the unique contributions that individuals with may types of differences can make, and creating a work environment that maximizes the potential of all employees.

The issue of gender inequality is one that has been heard through our society for decades. Women have had a much more difficult time getting the same benefits, wages, and job opportunities as their male counterparts. The policy-makers have consistently been male and therefore it is not surprising that our society reflects those biases, which exist as a result of this male-domination.

In the 1920's, certain rights were given to women such as the right to vote, but the social bias favoring men still remained. There were still unequal opportunities in employment, salary, and education. Women did not have any rights protecting them from being discriminated against in the workplace. Males held mostly management and all other supervising positions, even though women were capable of holding these positions. Unlike males, women were not given advancement opportunities.

Today, although many advancements have been made, many of the same inequalities in employment and salary still exist. These problems are no longer going unnoticed. Women are taking a stand for their rights and demanding that these inequalities they have suffered be corrected. Organizations such as the National Organization for Women and Advancing Women are speaking out for women's rights. This organization has helped women combat domestic violence, and rid the workplace of discrimination and harassment for more than thirty years. They offer various programs informing women of their legal rights and helping to increase the number of women in high-paying, male-dominated fields

In order to fully gain equal employment and fairness, traditionally male positions must be opened to females. This is the only way to shatter the glass walls that are so prevalent in today's society. The first step in creating equality in the workplace is to inform women of their rights. The next step is for these women to exercise their