I am stuck. I have to analyze the ethical implications of a gender discrimination claim (see below) and suggest measures that address ethical issues and apply a recognized ethical code or framework and clearly connectthe conduct to ethical principles. Please help.

Here is her claim: "Irrespective of the bottom line, there were heavy pay cuts enacted. However, as I have come to learn, not for all, but only for our female employees. As you are likely aware, since February we have taken a salary reduction of 30%. I and a handful of other female employees complained about our wage reductions to the Finance Department, but to no avail. They gave a vague response that all employees are suffering because of the losses the company has faced. All things considered, this silenced us for the time being.

However, last week, when I was talking about the wage cuts with a male colleague, he was unaware of it. To my surprise, he never experienced any such salary deduction and even showed me his pay check. I inquired with some other male colleagues, and they all had the same response.

I gathered the female employees and went to the Finance Director Mr. Silvester. His response was quite troubling. At first, he rejected our inquiry. However, once he realized we had corroborating evidence, he stated: "We need to adjust our losses somewhere. Most male employees are primary heads of household supporting their families. This is temporary, and an alternative to laying all of you off. Please let it go..."