Breaking Barriers: An Examination of Gender Inequality and Discrimination in Malaysia's Workplace

Abstract

Gender discrimination persists globally and is a fundamental obstacle to achieving peace, prosperity, and sustainable development (Stage, 2022). In Malaysia, workplace sexism affects both men and women, and this study aims to identify its main causes and examine its prevalence and severity. The study collected data from 211 workers using questionnaires and found that gender stereotypes are the primary cause of workplace sexism in Malaysia. Women experience higher levels of gender discrimination than men, and family education and culture influence an individual's attitude in the workplace. The study suggests that fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality can create a more positive and productive work environment as in line with (Singh and Bhakar, 2020). Addressing workplace sexism is crucial for achieving gender equality and promoting social justice, and the study's findings offer important implications for policymakers, employers, and researchers to develop effective strategies for preventing and addressing workplace gender discrimination (Lai, 2021). Research findings can significantly contribute to workplace profitability, employee retention, job satisfaction, loyalty, and talent recruitment, as noted by (Picincu, 2020; Bank, 2020). This research has shown that gender equality can create a more positive work environment and drive enterprise development as Crawford (2022) points out that promoting gender equality can also reduce inequality within and between countries, promoting sustainable development worldwide.