Employment discrimination and gender equity in the workplace

Abstract

Employment discrimination in Ecuador is manifested through practices that, although apparently neutral, favor certain groups over others based on factors irrelevant to job performance, such as gender, age, marital status and physical appearance. This phenomenon, deeply rooted in social and cultural structures, perpetuates inequality and negatively affects women, single mothers, and people of various ethnicities and abilities. Despite the existence of a robust legal framework, such as Convention No. 111 of the ILO and the Constitution of Ecuador, which prohibit any form of discrimination and promote equal opportunities, the implementation of these laws still faces significant challenges. The services sector, crucial for the Ecuadorian economy, reflects these gender disparities with discriminatory practices that limit the professional and salary development of women. The methodological study included an exhaustive review of academic literature, analysis of regulations and legislation, specific case studies, statistical analysis of INEC data, interviews and surveys with workers and employers, and a review of business policies. These methods revealed that workplace discrimination is not only a legal issue but also a cultural one, influenced by stereotypes and prejudices that are perpetuated from the family to the workplace. Internal company policies and equal opportunities training are essential to promote a cultural change that values ​​competencies and skills over irrelevant personal characteristics, thus ensuring a more inclusive and equitable work environment