Which situation most clearly illustrates gender-based discrimination?

Concept

Gender inequality exists when rights, opportunities, resources, or treatment differ because of gender rather than a relevant need or qualification. Direct gender discrimination occurs when comparable people receive unequal treatment because of gender.

Application

Women receiving lower pay than men for comparable work means that gender affects remuneration even though the work is comparable. This is direct unequal treatment in employment and therefore clearly illustrates gender-based discrimination.

Contrast

• Boys spending less time studying than girls describes a difference in study behaviour; without unequal access, rules, or treatment, the behaviour alone does not establish discrimination.

• Maternity leave is an employment protection connected with pregnancy and childbirth; it supports health and continuity of employment rather than withholding an equal right.

• A higher dropout rate for men describes a disparity in an outcome; without evidence about its cause or unequal treatment, the rate alone does not establish discrimination.

Cross-check

Apply the equal-treatment test: people doing comparable work should receive comparable pay regardless of gender. Lower pay for women performing comparable work violates that principle, so this is the clearest example.