This is when an individual is treated differently or unfairly because of their sex. For instance, stating in a job advert or promotion opportunity that the role is better suited to a certain sex would amount to discrimination.
Treating someone less favourably can occur in three main ways:
- Either as a result of their own sex (ordinary direct discrimination)
- Their perceived sex (direct discrimination by perception)
- Their association with someone of a particular sex (direct discrimination by association)