Women continue to break the glass ceiling in the workplace. They are taking their well-deserved spots as CEOs, CFOs and CIOs among their male counterparts in corporations nationwide.
But there is still a long way to go. Women continue to experience wage discrepancies and are more likely to be sexually harassed at work. Women are also more likely than men to be the target of age discrimination.
What are the signs of age discrimination?
How often have we heard that men become more distinguished as they age, whereas women just get old? In the workplace, men may be considered more experienced, while stereotypes label women as “out of touch”.
Women in leadership positions or high-profile roles often face increased scrutiny regarding their age compared to their male counterparts. This problem is exacerbated as women are already underrepresented in authoritative roles within organizations. Age discrimination can significantly hinder women’s career advancement opportunities. As women reach mid-career or senior levels, they might encounter invisible barriers to promotion.
Ageism can further worsen wage disparities between genders, with older women experiencing wider pay gaps compared to older men. In organizational restructuring or layoffs, older women may feel more vulnerable to job loss, impacting their long-term financial security.
The signs may be subtle, but the following are generally indications of age discrimination:
- Assumptions about capabilities, especially regarding new technology
- Exclusion from training opportunities
- Lack of older women in leadership
- Comments on appearance related to age
- Pressure to retire
Both age and gender discrimination are illegal in the workplace. Women may worry about rocking the boat, but it’s crucial to speak up in the face of age discrimination. By standing up for your rights as a woman and an older American, you can help to hold those who have mistreated you accountable.
