Facing Discrimination at the Workplace

Many people living with HIV face stigma and discrimination at the workplace because of their status, thus many are afraid to file a complaint because there is lack of encouragement to do so. According to Avert, “many describe their workplace discrimination as being socially isolated, harassed and being ridiculed by their co-workers”. The article “HIV Stigma and Discrimination” also cites a study called the People Living with HIV Stigma Index which states that ”HIV stigma is as frequently or more frequently a cause of unemployment or denial of work opportunity as ill health”. Educators are continually working on tactics on how to teach others about this concerning issue, yet a lot must be done across countries to raise awareness and take action.

Shyronn Jones, an exemplary author and activist, shared her own experience of the unfair treatment she has gone through at work. ”Due to discrimination in the workplace, I have experienced environments where my supervisors have surveilled and micro-managed my every move. Their behaviors created an environment that was uncomfortable for me to function in,” explained Jones. According to Jones, her supervisors knew she was living with HIV before her employment began. When she applied for an available mid-level position that she was capable of performing, they immediately offered her a lower ranking position instead. ”It’s usually hard to prove discrimination based on society devaluing people living with HIV, but it’s evident. And it’s usually as rare for a person who carries out discriminatory acts in the workplace toward people living with HIV to admit it, but their actions are evident,” added Jones.

Even though Jones did not report the discrimination, she applied and received unemployment benefits which served as her reparations. Over time, Jones has met numerous people that have faced the same situation as she did and they discussed about it regularly. “They have told me their demotions weakened their morale in the workplace and have caused feelings of low self-esteem in other social settings and severe depression in their households”, shared Jones who advises women living with HIV to not accept any form of discrimination and to immediately take a form of action when needed. “Don’t accept being treated unfavorably and allow your path to outlast the cast shaped for you! Advise the company’s personnel department to incorporate meaningful involvement of People Living with HIV, which includes actively hiring, training and retaining employees and board members living with HIV”, considered Jones.