In light of International Women’s Day, it is essential that we not only embrace equality but also #EmbraceEquity. But what actually is equity? Isn’t it the same thing as equality? The two words are often confused and used interchangeably, but, despite their similarity, they are intrinsically different.

The IWD website has given each word the following meaning:

Equality ‘means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.’

whereas

Equity ‘recognises that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.’

The below images nicely illustrate the difference between these two terms.

Equality focuses on providing all genders with equal opportunities such as, giving two people the same ladder, the chance to vote or to hold a senior position in a company. However, it is important to remember that not everyone has the same “starting platform”.

Some people might need extra and/or different help or resources to reach those opportunities, or that apple tree, and this is where equity comes into play.

As the IWD organisation appropriately states ‘[Women] need to belong in a global culture that actively promotes and supports them in all aspects of their life, from education to the workplace to health.’ 

By embracing equity, we can create sustainable solutions to create environments and a society in which everyone can thrive and succeed.

So let’s all #EmbraceEquity not only on IWD but each and every day!

“Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.” – Dr Naheed Dosani

While great care has been taken in the preparation of the content of this article, it does not purport to be a comprehensive statement of the relevant law and full professional advice should be taken before any action is taken in reliance on any item covered.