Gender is a set of characteristics which define an individual as male or female.

A person may feel they are being targeted or discriminated against due to their gender by the language used towards them or by lack of opportunities within their workplace. In 2007 The Gender Equality Duty came into force requiring all public authorities, when carrying out all their functions, to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sex; and to promote equality of opportunity between women and men.