Gender Discrimination in Exile: Insights from Syrian Workers in Turkey

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing gender discrimination in workplace and examines employees’ perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward it. Conducted at Omran Strategic Research Center in Istanbul, the research involved semi-structured interviews with 15 employees (9 men and 6 women) from various job levels. The findings identified eight key factors contributing to gender discrimination: wage disparities, cultural and social biases, promotion challenges, sexual discrimination, work-life balance policies, hiring discrimination, unequal job evaluations, and strategies for gender equality. While many participants denied the existence of a wage gap, others acknowledged it, attributing it to job nature and individual performance. Interestingly, perceptions varied between managerial and non-managerial staff. Managers appeared more aware of gender-related issues, including hidden biases and systemic obstacles. The study highlights the complex, multifaceted nature of gender discrimination in the workplace and emphasizes the need for more inclusive policies and practices to foster gender equity across all organizational levels.