In English, the words for equity and equality sound almost the same. Their meanings, however, are different, and the difference is significant.
Equality means that we treat everyone the same – every person or group of people is given the same resources and opportunities. Equity means that we provide resources and opportunities that meet the specific needs or circumstances of that person or group, so that we can achieve an equal outcome.
So while we often seek ‘equal opportunity’, this can actually result in exclusion rather than inclusion. Put another way, equality means being equal in terms of status, rights and opportunities, while justice is about how to get there through fairness. Equality sets the ground rules for creating a level playing field, but it needs equity to ensure that everyone can compete on that playing field.
Examples from practice
When one tries to visualize equality and equity, one can imagine three people watching a football match behind a thick fence. The tallest one can see the game without issues, but the other two are shorter and are unable to see anything. If all three are given an equally high platform, again the shortest one does not reach the height of the fence. In this case, the tallest player does not need a platform, since he can follow the game without it. Giving an equally high platform exemplifies equality and giving equal opportunities, but that is not justice. If the tallest spectator doesn’t get a platform because they don’t need one, the average height gets a platform and the shortest gets two, so everyone is included, they all can watch the game and are supported according to their needs. Then there is justice, hence equity.
What does justice mean for women’s rights and opportunities?
Giving women equal rights is not enough in itself to address existing inequalities. A study by the World Economic Forum shows that it will take another 132 years to reach gender equality. Current compounding crises often disproportionately affect women, and the risk of further declines in global gender equality is increasing.
Progress relies on action, but not just by women. Through collective activism, all people can make progress towards a more inclusive world, challenging gender stereotypes and calling for non-discrimination.
