Know your rights
Women and gender-diverse people can face challenges at work, especially in male-dominated trades and industries.
These challenges may include:
- Limited access to networks, job opportunities and mentors.
- Experiences of sexism, exclusion and gendered violence.
- Lack of flexible work arrangements, making it difficult for people to balance work and caring responsibilities.
Knowing your rights can help you to:
- Recognise issues when they happen.
- Feel empowered to speak up.
- Seek support and take action if needed.
What you should expect from your employer:
- Freedom from discrimination based on gender, sex, age, race, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or caring responsibilities.
- Fair, respectful treatment and equal opportunities.
- Active prevention and zero tolerance for bullying, harassment or gendered violence.
- Supportive conversations and confidential handling of reports about gender-based discrimination or harm.
- Access to clean and safe toilet and hygiene facilities.
- Support for reproductive health, including pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Leave entitlements under workplace laws and agreements.
- Access to required uniforms and PPE that are the right size and fit well.
- Meaningful work that matches your training plan.
Support and resources are available
If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment at work, you can reach out to a trusted supervisor or contact one of the free services offered by your workplace or via Apprenticeships Victoria.
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