Some activists also claim that certain companies monitor the menstrual cycles of their female employees to ensure they are not hiding a pregnancy. Most activists believe that companies shy away from hiring pregnant or fertile women to avoid granting them the liberal 120- day paid maternity leave mandated by the 1988 constitution. Traditional ingrained sexism undoubtedly plays a role as well. They claim, however, that they are unable to investigate these accusations thoroughly or bring formal charges against the companies because women make the denunciations anonymously or decline to cooperate if they are to be identified. Most victims, they say, fear being blacklisted by other employers if they speak publicly or take legal action against a company.
Activists add that sterilization certification requests are generally made verbally.
We went there, but we couldn't prove anything. Another widespread problem is that women are often unaware of their rights. Companies customarily deny the charges, but activists steadfastly assert that the practice is on the rise. They say more firms have begun to request proof of sterilization since ie 1988 Brazilian constitution increased paid maternity leave to 120 days. At least two such cases of discrimination have entered the legal arena.