INVESTIGATING GENDER DISPARITIES AND BIAS IN WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON THE EQUALITY CAMPAIGN

The study examined “Investigating Gender Disparities and Bias in Workplace Environment: An Analysis of Public Perception on The Equality Campaign” Five objectives guided the conduct of the research. Survey method of research was adopted for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used in obtaining data from the sampled population figure of 400. Taro Yamane sampling model was used in determining the sample size while Media Framing & Gender and Development Theory were the research theoretical framework. The study found out that the respondents perceive the on-going gender equality campaign; Gender inequality and discrimination have a degree of influence on employees’ performance in their workplace; To a minimal extent, the public gets awareness on diversity and gender inclusive programmes in the institution; Unequal treatment affects the overall work environment, including productivity, moral and organizational culture. Some of the challenges posed by the existence of gender inequality and inclusion is lack of inefficiency; Gender equality awareness and empowerment is a measure towards promoting inclusiveness in workplace environment and educating employees on policies and practices of equity and inclusiveness will enhance an equitable workplace environment and ultimately, lack of productivity is also a major challenge faced by employees as a result of gender inequality and discrimination including low self-esteem. The study concluded that to ensure the reduction in terms of gender disparity in the workplace environment, there is a continuous need for improvement in the gender equality campaign most especially in the workplace environment. There also need to be policies and practices of equity and inclusiveness in workplace environment so as to ensure increase and improvement in workplace and as well enhance women efficiency and productivity in their different workplace. The study thus recommended that there should be more concerted efforts and programs towards improving women inclusiveness in critical roles especially in institutions of learning; Women should be encouraged, nominated and voted into administrative positions in a bid to further enhance high self-esteem among the female gender and as well increase efficiency and productivity in the institution of learning; policies directly targeted at the root causes of gender inequality would be generally preferred but appear limited, and research to expand the policy toolkit would be particularly useful.