19/04/2022
By wizewebsite
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Discrimination against pregnant women: You have a belly, so go to the maternity leave<

Comprehensive statistics are lacking in the UK, but existing estimates suggest that discrimination against pregnant women is the order of the day in this developed country. In 2015, 11% of mothers surveyed in the United Kingdom said they had either been made redundant due to pregnancy or had been forced to leave alone. Many others had to deal with contemptuous or disgraceful behavior and listen to indiscriminate comments about their condition.

The results of a survey conducted in Japan in May 2020 are identical - up to a quarter of pregnant workers had similar experiences. Incidentally, in Japan, this type of discrimination uses the term "matahara" taken from English, which stands for "motherhood harassment."

Pregnancy test as a condition of admission

Discrimination against pregnant women can occur before, during or even after pregnancy, ie during maternity or parental leave, and it takes many forms. In almost 40 countries, pregnancy is a reason for complete dismissal, the expectant mother may also be excluded from promotion or attending training and other corporate events, may be relocated or forced to work in disadvantaged or dangerous conditions. The goal in such a case is to force her to leave alone, ie "of her own free will".

"One pregnant woman working in a retail store could not take a bottle of water to work because her boss forbade it under existing rules. As a result, she collapsed at work over time because she was dehydrated, "Elizabeth Gedmark, vice president of A Better Balance, which helps pregnant women deal with employment discrimination, gives the BBC an example. In some companies, the situation even goes so far that women have to submit a negative pregnancy test before they are accepted.

Impacts on the psyche, child and budget

Diskriminace těhotných v práci: Máš břicho, tak už běž na tu mateřskou

The consequences of pushing a pregnant woman out of the work process can be far-reaching. A woman who, in an emotionally and physically demanding state, is forced to face unjust and rude behavior, loses both professionally and mentally and mentally, which can affect not only her health, but also the health of the unborn child.

"The financial implications of such a situation may spiral out of control. We have seen such women end up on the streets and languish right in front of their eyes, which is very dangerous during pregnancy, "Gedmark told the BBC, adding that the effects could be long-lasting even if women did not become homeless. "If you can't work for months or even years, you get into debt, you lose the opportunity to pay for your education or save for retirement."

Those who don't make it

In addition, many employers have no idea that there are any laws to protect pregnant workers or simply do not care about them. Women need to know for themselves what rights they have during pregnancy, and enforcing them is often difficult and futile. Many of them prefer not to try because they fear retaliation and long-term effects on their future careers.

Organizations such as A Better Balance or Matahara Net in Japan are trying to speak for these women and defend their claims. It is not only thanks to them that this issue is now beginning to be discussed more in the world, which may be a reason for cautious optimism and the belief that things will move over time. But it is already certain that help will not come soon enough for the millions of workers who are now about to give birth to a child in these uncertain times.