What to Do If You Experience Discrimination When Receiving a Service?

Two women went to a restaurant in Tallinn to have a meal. During their visit, the waiter behaved inappropriately: he inquired about their origins and made ironic comments about it, pressured them to order alcohol, sat down at their table while making physical contact with them, asked intimate questions, and made sexually suggestive remarks.

How can you take action to ensure such behavior does not go unanswered?

It is important to always respond in such situations, even if only to raise awareness and make the environment safer for everyone.

1. Document the Incident

First, ask for the server’s name and write it down. Simply asking for a name can already have a deterrent effect on someone behaving inappropriately. If asking the server directly feels uncomfortable, you can ask another employee.

To ensure you remember the details later, note down not only the server’s name but also the location, time, and a description of the disturbing incident. If there were witnesses, try to collect their contact details as well.

2. Provide Feedback to the Business

It is crucial to give feedback about the incident directly to the business, preferably in writing. Send an email to the owner or share your experience on the company’s social media page.

3. Submit a Complaint to the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can submit a complaint to us at [email protected]. In your complaint, describe the details of the incident, including the location, time, and the person whose behavior was discriminatory.

The commissioner is responsible for assisting people who suspect they have been treated unfairly based on their gender, nationality, skin color, religion, beliefs, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Discrimination based on gender is prohibited in all areas of social life, including service provision. Gender-based and sexual harassment are also considered discrimination. This includes any unwanted behavior that degrades a person’s dignity and creates a threatening, hostile, humiliating, degrading, or offensive environment.

What Can Business Owners Do?

To prevent discriminatory situations, businesses in the customer service sector should provide regular trainings on diversity, equality, and harassment prevention. These trainings should be attended by both employees and managers. The Office of the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner can provide advice on organizing such training sessions.

Preventing reputational damage due to discrimination is much easier than repairing it later. Every person has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity!