How to challenge workplace discrimination and win | Donna Patterson | TEDxLondonWomen

Summary

The speaker shares her personal journey of fighting back against workplace discrimination, particularly after becoming a mother. Despite facing a powerful employer and having no legal representation, she stood up for her rights and won a tribunal case on sex discrimination. Her story highlights the pervasive gender inequality in work environments and the need for systemic change. She founded 'Let's Talk Work' to help others fight for their workplace rights, emphasizing that change only happens when action is taken. Her message encourages bravery, solidarity, and the demand for fairness for all.

Takeaways

• 💼 The speaker faced discrimination and unfair treatment from a large UK supermarket after becoming a mother, which led her to represent herself in an employment tribunal.
• ⚖️ Despite having no legal training, the speaker chose to fight for justice, believing strongly in fairness and equality in the workplace.
• 👩‍👧 The speaker’s challenges began after having her first child when she noticed her employer’s lack of support and intolerance for her caring responsibilities.
• 🤔 She initially blamed herself for not being able to keep up but later realized that the work environment was designed to favor a small segment of society, particularly men.
• 📊 The speaker highlights that 77% of women experience workplace discrimination, but only 1% file a tribunal claim, as women often blame themselves instead of questioning the system.
• 👩‍⚖️ The speaker chose to fight back after her second child, despite feeling anxious and unprepared, as she believed her treatment was unjust.
• 💪 Through perseverance, preparation, and support from a charity called 'Pregnant Then Screwed,' she won her discrimination case, raising awareness of workplace inequality.
• 📢 After winning, her story went viral, resonating with many people who shared similar experiences, and motivating her to help others stand up for their rights.
• 🤝 The speaker founded 'Let’s Talk Work' to support others facing workplace discrimination and to drive change through collective action.
• 🌍 She emphasizes the importance of speaking up for fairness and equality to create a just world for future generations, encouraging others to challenge outdated practices.

Q & A

What was the speaker fighting against in the courtroom?

The speaker was fighting against discrimination and unfair treatment by their former employer, a large supermarket chain in the UK.

Why did the speaker feel isolated during the tribunal process?

The speaker felt isolated because they had no legal training or experience in employment tribunals, while their employer had a strong legal team.

What major change did the speaker notice after becoming a mother?

The speaker noticed that the work environment became unfair after they became a mother, with little tolerance for their caregiving responsibilities and a lack of flexibility in their part-time role.

How did the charity 'Pregnant Then Screwed' help the speaker?

'Pregnant Then Screwed' helped the speaker realize that the issue wasn’t with them but with outdated workplace practices that disadvantage women and other marginalized groups.

What statistics did the speaker provide about discrimination in the workplace?

The speaker mentioned that 77% of women experience discrimination in the workplace, but only 1% raise a tribunal claim.

What motivated the speaker to fight back against their employer?

The speaker was motivated by a sense of fairness and determination not to be taken advantage of, as well as a desire to challenge outdated workplace practices.

How did the speaker prepare for the tribunal hearing?

The speaker prepared by familiarizing themselves with the Equality Act, observing other tribunals, and thoroughly understanding their own case.

What was the outcome of the tribunal case?

The speaker won the case, with the judge and panel unanimously finding that they had been subjected to discrimination.

How did the speaker's story impact others after being shared on social media?

The speaker’s story resonated with many people, particularly women and marginalized groups, who had experienced similar discrimination or witnessed it happening to others.

What is the speaker's call to action for others regarding workplace discrimination?

The speaker urges others to speak up against unfair treatment, challenge outdated systems, and support one another to create a fairer and more just work environment.