Rajakumari Chouta, a former software developer at Amazon, has filed a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination after she claims a manager suggested her familial responsibilities made her unsuitable for certain roles and subsequently overlooked her for internal job opportunities, ultimately leading to her departure from the tech giant, as per a report from AFP.
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This illustration photograph taken on October 30, 2023, in Mulhouse, eastern France, shows figurines next to a screen displaying a logo of Amazon, a US multinational technology e-commerce company.
Amazon's Former Software Developer Alleges Gender Discrimination From a Manager
According to her recently filed lawsuit against Amazon, Chouta approached a hiring manager regarding a transfer to a systems-development engineering role.
The manager allegedly expressed doubts about women's ability to handle the position's demanding on-call responsibilities, suggesting it might not be suitable for those balancing childcare and household duties.
Despite her efforts and an interview for another systems-development job in mid-December, Chouta claims she faced setbacks.
The lawsuit contends that after receiving initially positive feedback about her interview, the manager implied the work might not align with female candidates, citing the nature of the tasks as potentially unsuitable.
Adding to her challenges, Chouta claims the manager made an unusual request, asking her to consult with her family, particularly her husband, to determine her availability for the position and her willingness to relocate to Seattle at her own expense. Disappointed but eager to secure employment, Chouta informed the manager of her decision promptly.
However, her efforts did not yield the desired outcome. She was informed that the transfer process might not conclude before her scheduled layoff date. Later, she learned that the position had been put on hold due to a hiring freeze and subsequently filled by a male candidate, according to the lawsuit.
In response to the manager's alleged discriminatory remarks, Chouta reportedly raised a complaint with Amazon. However, the lawsuit does not specify whether the company took any action in response to her grievance.
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Amazon's Response
Amazon, in a statement issued Wednesday, emphasized its commitment to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. The company asserted its policy of thorough investigation and appropriate action against any violations reported.
Nevertheless, Amazon did not address specifics regarding Chouta's complaint or the employment status of the manager implicated in her lawsuit.
Regarding its workforce diversity, Amazon disclosed in a June statement that its office staff composition consisted of approximately 70% men and 30% women. In previous communications, the company expressed dedication to supporting women in technology, both within and beyond Amazon, by addressing prevalent biases in workplace environments.
Despite her efforts, Chouta did not receive offers for other positions she applied for, spanning locations in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Ultimately, on January 8, she parted ways with Amazon following the expiration of her employment tenure.
Chouta's lawsuit alleges that Amazon failed to prevent discrimination against her and seeks unspecified damages as recourse for the alleged injustices she faced during her employment.
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