Gender Equality and Gender Equity are two distinct but related concepts that address gender-related disparities. Here’s a clear distinction between the two:
Gender Equality
- Definition: Gender equality refers to providing individuals of all genders with the same opportunities, rights, and responsibilities in all areas of life, such as education, employment, and decision-making.
- Focus: It emphasizes equal treatment regardless of gender.
- Example: Providing the same salary for the same work to men and women, or ensuring equal access to education for boys and girls.
- Goal: To eliminate discrimination based on gender and create a society where everyone is treated equally.
Gender Equity
- Definition: Gender equity focuses on fairness and justice in addressing the unique needs and circumstances of individuals based on their gender. It may involve measures to correct historical and social disadvantages.
- Focus: It emphasizes fairness by recognizing and addressing systemic imbalances.
- Example: Offering scholarships to girls in male-dominated fields like engineering to encourage gender balance.
- Goal: To achieve equal outcomes by compensating for existing inequalities through specific measures.
Key Difference
- Gender equality assumes that everyone starts from the same position and should be treated the same way.
- Gender equity recognizes that individuals may start from different positions due to systemic inequalities, so specific interventions are required to achieve fairness and equality.
Interconnection
- Gender equity is often considered a means to achieve gender equality. By addressing imbalances and providing targeted support, equity helps create the conditions for genuine equality.
