Gender discrimination in the workplace doesn’t always appear in hiring or pay—it often shows up in subtler ways, like who gets the best assignments. When women are repeatedly passed over for field work, travel opportunities, or leadership projects offered to male colleagues, it can signal systemic bias. If this has happened to you, PLBH can help you gather evidence and pursue justice for gender-based discrimination.
Understanding Gender Discrimination Under the Law
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and corresponding state laws prohibit employers from discriminating based on gender in any aspect of employment. This includes assigning work, determining promotions, and providing career development opportunities.
Gender discrimination can occur when:
- Male employees are consistently chosen for field or travel assignments
- Women are told such roles are “too demanding” or “unsafe”
- Supervisors make assumptions about family responsibilities
- Promotion criteria favor positions that only men are offered
These patterns limit women’s career growth, income potential, and visibility within their organizations.
Recognizing Subtle Patterns of Discrimination
Gender bias often hides behind subjective explanations like “fit” or “availability.” Over time, these decisions form a clear pattern of exclusion.
Warning signs include:
- A repeated lack of female representation in field or leadership roles
- Comments implying men are “better suited” for travel or physical work
- Being excluded from key meetings or client visits
- Male coworkers with less experience receiving higher-profile assignments
Even without direct comments about gender, consistent disparities can establish discriminatory intent.
Gathering Evidence for Your Claim
To prove discrimination, you’ll need to show that you were qualified for the assignments but were denied opportunities given to male peers.
Useful evidence includes:
- Assignment records showing consistent favoritism toward men
- Written communications or meeting notes discussing role eligibility
- Witness statements from coworkers aware of the bias
- Performance reviews highlighting your readiness for such roles
- Company policies that lack objective criteria for assignment decisions
PLBH can help collect this evidence and analyze workplace data to identify discriminatory trends.
How to File a Gender Discrimination Claim
If you suspect gender-based exclusion, take the following steps:
- Document every instance of being passed over for assignments.
- Ask for explanations in writing. If the reason seems subjective, save the response.
- File an internal complaint with your HR department or equal opportunity officer.
- Submit a formal complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or state fair employment agency.
- Contact PLBH. Our team can ensure your claim is properly filed and supported with strong evidence.
We can also protect you against retaliation—such as being further excluded or demoted after speaking up.
Potential Remedies for Gender Discrimination
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay for lost earnings and missed opportunities
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Reinstatement or reassignment to desired positions
- Policy changes within the organization
- Payment of legal and court fees
PLBH will fight to hold your employer accountable and help you reclaim your professional opportunities.
Standing Up for Fair Treatment in the Workplace
Women deserve equal access to career growth, regardless of gender stereotypes or outdated assumptions. If you’ve been denied field assignments or projects given to male peers, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a confidential consultation. We’ll stand with you to challenge discrimination and ensure your contributions are recognized and rewarded.