“Equity” and “equality” are not the same. 

You need equity in order for equality to happen

The distinction between gender equity and gender equality is not clear to most people. Bringing clarity and awareness to this is important in eliminating the gender equity gap. 

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF EQUITY?

Equity: the quality of being fair and impartial. Equity, relates to racial and social justice. It means meeting people where they are and allocating resources and opportunities to create equal outcomes considering their particular needs.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF EQUALITY?

Equality: the state of being equal, especially in status, rights and opportunities.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. Equality can actually increase inequities in communities as not every group of people needs the same resources or opportunities allocated to them in order to thrive. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EQUITY AND EQUALITY?

Equity recognises each person has different circumstances and needs, and therefore different people need different resources and opportunities to thrive.

Equality is giving everyone the exact same resources across the board, regardless of individuals or groups of people’s situations be it a good one or not.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESDOC)

“equality between men and women…does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they were born male or female. Gender equity means fairness of treatment for men and women according to their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations, and opportunities.” 

HOW IS NETWOMEN CHAMPIONING EQUITY?

It celebrates it in many ways but mainly through the offering of resources, knowledge and connections. For example, here at netwomen, we make sure to connect you with opportunities and what you need. For example, do you need advice from a woman in a marketing position to get your business off the ground? We have got you covered. This is a lighthearted example of the many more genuine ways we look out for each other so we can all grow together to get to the top and get more women in positions of power.

Now that we know the difference, we can share this knowledge to open the eyes of individuals and business leaders, thereby making it possible to move closer to a gender equal world.