the problem of structural discrimination that was common in various industries in the past, such as pregnancy prohibition clauses and single female worker clauses that seriously hindered women’s right to work. Employers should not decide whether to employ applicants or determine the working conditions of their employees based on gender characteristics that are unrelated to job performance or duties. Such decisions result in discrimination against applicants or employees who do not (or do) possess these gender characteristics. Only when employers refrain from making such gender-based decisions will they be in compliance with requirements of CEDAW, the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Gender Equality in Employment Act to eliminate gender discrimination and promote substantive equality. Dress codes may seem to be a minor issue, but it is a problem rooted in harmful gender stereotypes and overlooked social prejudice. Genderspecific uniform regulations (which usually apply to women) are often based on gender stereotypes and cause women to be sexualized and objectified, damaging their dignity, and directly or indirectly hindering the equal enjoyment of their rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by CEDAW. Such actions further deepen social prejudice and discrimination, and they have far-reaching influence. 71 As the aforementioned domestic and foreign dress code cases (e.g., the Alaska Airlines case in the U.S., restaurant and bar case in Canada, cosmetic company case in Taiwan, and policewomen and female firefighters case) have shown, gender-specific dress codes may result in the exclusion of women and people with different gender identities from the labor market or in disadvantages in the labor market. No one should be forced to find another job, lose their seniority, or give up their existing benefits in order to avoid discrimination. Nor should they have to give up their basic rights before they can get or keep a job. 71 The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Apr. 23, 2024), General Recommendation on Gender Stereotypes: Concept Note. 88

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