Giving a woman a lower responsibility post after maternity without consent may be an example of what?

Correct answer: Maternity penalty

The direct answer is D: it may be a maternity penalty. A maternity penalty occurs when a woman’s maternity, pregnancy or return from maternity leave is used unfairly to reduce her responsibilities, status, pay, promotion prospects or career opportunities. The words “without consent” are important: an employer cannot simply assume that motherhood requires a lower post. Step by step: she held or could hold a role; after maternity, she is moved to lower responsibility; there is no informed agreement or fair work-related reason; the change therefore may punish her for using maternity rights and may be discriminatory. Option D is correct because it names this concern. Option A, equal opportunity, would mean fair access and no disadvantage because of maternity. Option B, workplace support, would involve reasonable help, not an unwanted demotion. Option C, fair promotion, means advancement based on fair criteria, which is the opposite of lowering responsibility without consent. “May be” is appropriate because the full facts and applicable rules would need examination. Exam cue: maternity must not become a hidden career penalty.