Discrimination in the workplace is at a three-year high for young women, according to new research.
The findings from the Young Women’s Trust highlight a troubling rise in inequality and prejudice, particularly for women of colour and those from marginalised backgrounds, as well as ongoing issues with pay disparities, harassment and career progression.
Nearly a third (30%) of HR and recruitment managers admitted to being aware of cases of discrimination against young women in the past year. Among young women themselves, over half (53%) reported experiencing workplace discrimination in 2024, a significant increase from 42% in 2022. For Black and Asian women, the statistics paint an even bleaker picture: 61% of racially minoritised women reported discrimination, up from 44% in 2022.
PERSISTENT PAY INEQUALITY
Pay inequality remains a serious issue, with one in 10 HR decision-makers admitting knowledge of women being paid less than men for roles at the same level, despite such practices being illegal. Nearly a quarter (23%) of young women stated they had been paid less than male colleagues for the same or similar work, a figure that has remained stubbornly high over the last three years. Shockingly, over a fifth (22%) of young women reported being paid less than the minimum wage they were legally entitled to.
Adding to the concern, nearly one-fifth (19%) of HR professionals feel their organisations do not take gender pay gap reporting seriously, citing barriers such as a lack of resources, inadequate senior management support, and insufficient knowledge of best practices.
MULTIFACETED DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination against young women is multifaceted, spanning age (28%), sex (16%), appearance (18%), caring responsibilities (25%), and mental health conditions (35%). Racial discrimination has also surged, with 39% of Black young women reporting such experiences in 2024, compared to 31% in 2022. Similarly, Asian young women have seen an increase from 24% to 31% over the same period.
Sexual harassment remains alarmingly common, with 26% of young women reporting incidents. HR professionals acknowledged the issue, with one-third (33%) admitting that sexist behaviour persists in their workplaces.
Opportunities for advancement are also unequal. More than a quarter (28%) of young women said they are not given the same opportunities as men to progress in their organisations, a sentiment echoed by 27% of HR decision-makers.
CALL TO ACTION TO ADDRESS DISCRIMINATION
Many young women feel ill-equipped to address discrimination, with 18% stating they don’t know their rights in the workplace. Almost a quarter (24%) don’t feel comfortable reporting discrimination, and 38% lack confidence in challenging pay inequality.
The Young Women’s Trust is urging employers to act swiftly to create workplace cultures where discrimination is challenged, reported, and addressed. The charity advocates for measures such as pay transparency, robust whistleblower support, and targeted initiatives to close pay gaps and promote women.
Claire Reindorp, Chief Executive of the Young Women’s Trust, emphasised the urgency of the issue. “Discrimination should have no place in our workplaces, but the reality is that as a young woman in 2024 you are more likely than not to be experiencing it. We cannot accept that this is just a normal part of working life,” stated Reindorp. “Its harmful effects will scar young women well into their futures, from shattered confidence and poor mental health to a lifetime of lower pay. Most urgently, we must address the deeply alarming rise in racial discrimination that Black and Asian young women are facing at work. Only then will we have a workforce with equal chances to contribute and succeed, for the benefit of everyone.”
For more information about the research and resources, click here.
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