My story of discrimination

I have worked for this company since 2000. Nearly since the beginning I felt discriminated because I was the only woman and working as a secretary.

 My boss told me not to speak my native language at work when I communicated with my colleagues during lunch breaks. Even after trying to reassure him that I would never say anything in my own language he insisted that I only communicate in English as this was the language for professionals.

Since the very day I began working, I felt that I was treated differently because I was not speaking the dominant language amongst employees.. One of the managers asked how I got employed as a Ndebele speaking person of all the applicants.I felt very hurt and humiliated once again, as his tone was very condescending and racist. I told him that I was born in Zimbabwe and hold a Zimbabwean passport, therefore have a full right to work in the company.

During my employment I suffered from harassment and bullying from my manager and other colleagues, some of who were Shona speaking. At all times I felt that I was not welcomed at the company, my manager asked colleagues from my department to spy on me and report back to him, he created very hostile environment for me.

I was discriminated on the sex ground too. I was disciplined for my maternal duties to my children, for example when I had to take a call from school about my child or had to leave work earlier because my child required medical attention. Many other employees within the same department were benefiting from flexible work hours, but not me, so I felt I was treated very differently from the beginning.

Every individual has a right to be employed regardless of race or ethnicity as long as they hold the relevant qualifications. Did this employer have the skills of leadership? What advice would you give to someone facing such a situation where they are working.