In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) made a special announcement today about female and transgender rights in the workplace.

The OHRC updated its code of conduct to target mandatory sexualized female-only requirements, including wearing high heels, make-up or exposed skin as a part of workplace aesthetics and dress code.

OHRC’s Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane said this is an issue they have been working on for over 20 years.

“This practice persists despite guidance by the commission,” Mandhane said. “We’re hoping to spur employers to think about their dress codes and be proactive so women don’t have to file complaints.”

The update specifically called out the restaurant, bar and massage therapy industries to beware of discriminatory demands of their female employees. Mandhane said since these industries are filled with young women working precarious jobs, sexual harassment and/or sexist policies don’t get reported as they should.

OHRC’s code of conduct states employers must be able to prove all sex-based dress code differences are legitimately necessary for the job. Where this cannot be shown, differences will be deemed discriminatory. Employers also cannot expect or coerce women to dress provocatively for clients.

“Excellent customer service doesn’t have a cup size,” said Kathy Laird, Executive Director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, in the release. “I hope women will call us for legal help if cleavage is deemed an essential skill in their workplace.”

For a link on the OHRC fact sheet about sexual harassment, click here.