According to Article 2, Subparagraph (f) and Article 5 of CEDAW,
states should take all appropriate measures to eliminate the harm of gender
stereotypes, as they are both a source and consequence of discrimination
against women. Moreover, General Recommendation No. 25 of CEDAW
obliges state parties to address prevalent gender relations and stereotypes
not only through individual actions but also in laws, legislation, societal
structures, and institutions, all of which impact women.
As stated in the Taipei High Administrative Court’s verdict Su-Zi No.
1063,
Eliminating gender stereotypes in the workplace and work-related
demands that arise from such perceptions is not something that can
be achieved overnight.... Stereotypes, which commonly occur in all
professions, need to be corrected through education and training....
The concept of gender-friendliness can enhance the public’s
sensitivity towards gender equality, enabling empathetic and role
reversal-based understanding, and fostering a gender-friendly and
substantively equal social environment.
Taiwan’s Gender Equality in Employment Act has been in place for
more than 20 years, yet service industries such as the civil aviation industry
still often retain gender stereotype-based dress codes, showing that there
remains room for improvement in raising employers and employees’
awareness and understanding of gender equality in the workplace.
The UK’s Government Equalities Office the publication Dress codes
and sex discrimination: what you need to know 64 in May 2018. It explains
the laws regarding potential gender discrimination in female employee or
applicant dress codes, provides relevant cases and FAQs, helps employees
understand their rights, and assists employers in avoiding legal violations.
The guidelines recommend that employers avoid making gender-related
regulations such as requiring female employees to wear high heels. If
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The Government Equalities Office (2018). Dress codes and sex discrimination: what
you need to know.
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