It’s an ongoing dilemma for me. My brain says use the word “equality” because it is a common word in the search engine and people understand it better than my preferred word “equity.” I take time in my book to explain why I chose equity in the title, and even included this back-of-the-napkin graphic to help bring it to life, but a number of sources I quote use the word equality. So, I thought I would take a moment to share a perspective.
In the ongoing discourse on creating fair and inclusive societies, the conversation around gender equity versus gender equality is part of the conversation. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they embody distinct approaches to addressing gender disparities. The nuanced understanding of each can lead to more effective policies, practices and interventions.
Gender equality refers to offering the same opportunities and resources to individuals of all genders, assuming that such an approach ensures fairness and equal treatment. If you search equity vs equality on google, you might see an image of giving everyone the same size of a block to stand on to see over a fence, irrespective of how tall each person is when on the ground. It is based on the principle of sameness and equal treatment.
Sameness and equality treatment, however, fails to account for the historical and systemic barriers that have placed individuals of different genders, particularly women and non-binary people, at a disadvantage.
Gender equity, in contrast, recognizes these inherent disparities and seeks to provide resources and opportunities tailored to individual needs and circumstances, aiming for fairness in outcomes. In reference to the description above, it is akin to adjusting the size of the blocks based on how tall each person is, ensuring everyone can see over the fence with equal clarity. Gender equity is about fairness, justice, and acknowledging the diversity of experiences within gender identities.
Understanding the distinction between gender equity and gender equality is pivotal when addressing gender disparities in various sectors. In the workplace, for instance, equality might translate to implementing policies that ensure the same pay for the same positions across all genders. While this is a step in the right direction, it overlooks the nuances of gender disparities. Equity, however, takes into consideration the systemic issues that contribute to gender pay gaps, such as the undervaluation of work traditionally done by women, the glass ceiling effect, and unequal caregiving responsibilities.
An equitable approach might include targeted mentorship programs for women, flexible work arrangements to accommodate caregiving responsibilities, and rigorous analysis and adjustment of pay scales to address historical inequities.
In education, gender equality means providing all students, regardless of gender, with the same learning materials, classes, and opportunities. Yet, this approach might not address the unique challenges faced by girls, boys, and even non-binary students, such as gender-based violence, stereotypes, and unequal access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for girls on a global scale. Gender equity in education involves creating a safe, inclusive environment that recognizes these challenges and implements specific strategies to overcome them, such as gender-sensitive curricula, support for girls in STEM fields, and programs addressing toxic masculinity.
The conversation extends to broader societal issues like healthcare access, political representation, and legal rights, where gender equity requires a deep understanding of the specific barriers faced by women, men, and non-binary individuals. For example, achieving gender equity in healthcare means recognizing and addressing the unique health needs of women, including reproductive health, and the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials, as well as the specific health issues faced by non-binary and transgender individuals.
Embracing gender equity over gender equality is not merely a semantic shift but a profound commitment to addressing the root causes of gender disparities. It involves challenging and dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent individuals of all genders from having equal opportunities to succeed. This requires continuous reflection, dialogue, and action to ensure that policies and practices not only aim for equal treatment but actively seek to achieve equitable outcomes for everyone, regardless of their gender.
While gender equality and gender equity are related concepts, they are not synonymous. Gender equality seeks fairness by treating everyone the same, overlooking the complex web of social, economic, and historical factors that affect individuals differently based on their gender. In contrast, gender equity strives for justice by acknowledging these differences and providing varied levels of support to achieve equal outcomes. As we advocate for gender “justice,” it is crucial to prioritize gender equity, recognizing that true fairness and inclusion require tailored approaches that address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals of all genders. By doing so, we can forge a path toward a more equitable, inclusive, and just society.