Boss Directly Refuses To Hire Women

Hello!

I’m needing some insight. I work for a large company as a sales person. I am the only woman at our location.

Recently, a coworker was fired. I asked my coworkers if they knew if his position would be filled. One of my coworkers informed me that he suggested a female friend who would’ve been a great candidate for the job. My manager told him he doesn’t want to hire a woman because he wants to be able to say whatever he wants. Like “locker room talk” racist, sexist and homophobic remarks. He has also directly told me he thinks two women closing the store by themselves would be “unsafe” as a reason he hadn’t hired a woman yet. I’ve closed plenty of stores by myself with no issue. This man just wants an environment where accountability is non existent.

He also apparently didn’t even want to hire me, but his boss went over his head.

I have an email drafted to HR, but what other steps would you suggest taking?