PROBLEMS OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN THE CONTEXT OF PROVIDING SOCIAL SECURITY FOR FEMALE WORKERS OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article aims to delineate the broad range of
issues related to ensuring the social security of critical
infrastructure for women workers in Ukraine. It first
establishes that women workers in the critical
infrastructure sector, like their counterparts across
other sectors, are susceptible to discriminatory
attitudes. These can manifest as gender-based
violence, both psychological and physical. This issue,
prevalent among all working women’s, is not confined
to those employed in critical infrastructure enterprises
(institutions, organizations); thus, its resolution
requires a comprehensive approach. This issue, which
manifests as sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence, stems from the normalization
of gender stereotypes and prejudices. Therefore,
prevention must begin by addressing gender
discrimination in the workplace at large. A specific
challenge for women workers in the critical
infrastructure sector is the stereotypical division of
roles into "male" and "female" categories, prevalent
across professions and industries. Overlooking this
issue perpetuates a cycle of problems that undermine
the social security of female workers. A primary
concern is that ignoring these stereotypes prevents the
integration of qualified personnel into key areas of
production and service provision. This exclusion
narrows the range of skills and experiences available
in the labor market, particularly within critical
infrastructure sectors. The second problem arises
when workers placed in professions where they face
discrimination or undervaluation of their professional
and personal qualities, due to entrenched gender
stereotypes in the workplace, may consequently
experience low job satisfaction. This dissatisfaction
diminishes their productivity and motivation, affecting
both individual and overall workplace performance.
The third issue is that such discriminatory practices
heighten the likelihood of escalating social tension
and conflict at work. This escalation adversely affects
the psychological well-being of the workplace and
hampers effective interactions among employees at a
critical infrastructure facility. The fourth problem is
that women working in male-dominated professions –
and men in female-dominated ones – may face social
isolation and a lack of support from colleagues,
heightening their social vulnerability in the
workplace. The fifth issue concerns how gender
stereotypes can restrict women's access to training,
further education, and career progression within the
critical infrastructure system, thereby diminishing
their labor potential and opportunities for professional growth. The sixth problem arises when women, limited in their professional choices, often find themselves in roles that are less well-paid and offer weaker social protections, increasing their economic vulnerability. This is particularly perilous during periods of economic instability or personal crises. The article concludes by summarizing the findings of the study.

Keywords: gender discrimination, gender equality, social protection, social rights, social security, welfare state, women's rights, workers.