RESOLUTION OF FEMALE GENDER INEQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE THROUGH ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Abstract

Dispute resolution in the workplace is an attempt by employees in the workforce to resolve a 
problem in the employment relationship. The notion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) 
comprises of any form of dispute resolution mechanism that is not the formal process of 
adjudication in a court of law. Gender equality in the workplace means that employees of all 
genders have access to same rewards, opportunities and resources at a company which is inclusive 
of equal pay and benefits for equivalent roles with comparable responsibilities. ADR as a tool in 
the workplace provides a way of bringing justice to more employees and this is done at a lower 
cost and faster than the conventional methods. This paper is concerned with looking at the issue 
of female gender inequality in the workplace such as discrimination, sexual harassment, gender 
pay gap and the manner in which ADR could be used to resolve these issues. It also considers the 
eagerness or otherwise of female employees to participate in any such ADR put in place and the 
likely outcomes of such processes. The degree to which such dispute resolution mechanisms 
function equitably for women as well as for men in the workplace would also be examined.