I am a man who has been repeatedly denied employment at women's wear stores due to my gender. Despite having experience selling women's wear at a charity shop and being passionate about the industry, I have been told outright by some stores that they "only employ women". This is not only unfair but also against the principles of equality we strive for in our society.

In college, I was taught there is no such thing as men's and women's jobs. Yet, these discriminatory hiring practices persist. While it may be true that some roles involve working in changing rooms, there are many other duties within a store where gender should not be an issue. It is worth noting that women are allowed to work at menswear stores without any hindrance.

This issue extends beyond just me - it affects all men who wish to work in this sector but are barred due to their gender. It reinforces harmful stereotypes about what jobs men and women can or cannot do.

According to the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against job applicants or employees based on their sex unless sex is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). However, this exception rarely applies and certainly should not apply across all roles within a retail store (source: EEOC).

We call on all ladies' wear stores to review their hiring policies and end this blatant gender discrimination. Everyone deserves equal opportunities regardless of their sex. Please sign this petition if you believe in fairness and equality in the workplace.