Lesson 3: Gender Equality and Equity
Objective: To differentiate between gender equality and gender equity, and understand why both are necessary for a just society.
Introduction: When we talk about gender sensitivity, the ultimate goal is often gender equality. However, simply treating everyone the
same way doesn't always lead to fair outcomes. This is where the concept of gender equity becomes vital. It's important to understand
the nuances of both terms to effectively advocate for and implement truly inclusive practices.
What is Gender Equality? Gender equality means that women and men, and people of all genders, have the same rights, responsibilities,
and opportunities. It implies that the values, aspirations, and behaviors of all people are equally valued and favored, and that they have
equal conditions for realizing their full human rights and potential, and for contributing to national, political, economic, social, and
cultural development, and for benefiting from the results. In essence, gender equality is about equal outcomes and opportunities for
everyone, regardless of gender.
What is Gender Equity? Gender equity means fairness of treatment for women and men, 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. Gender equity aims to address historical and systemic disadvantages that have prevented certain groups (historically
women and other marginalized genders) from achieving equality. In essence, gender equity is about fairness in the process to achieve
equality. It recognizes that different groups may require different support to reach the same starting line.
Analogy for Equality vs. Equity:
Imagine three people of different heights trying to watch a baseball game over a fence.
● Equality: Giving everyone the same size box to stand on. The tallest person can see easily, the middle person can peek, but the
shortest person still can't see over the fence. This is equal treatment, but not equitable outcomes.
● Equity: Giving each person a box of the appropriate height so that everyone can see over the fence. The tallest might need no
box, the middle person one box, and the shortest person two boxes. This is different treatment, but it leads to an equitable
outcome where everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the game.
Why Both Are Necessary:
● Historical Disadvantage: Many societies have a long history of discriminating against women and other marginalized genders.
Simply applying "equal treatment" now doesn't erase the cumulative disadvantage of centuries. Equity seeks to level the
playing field.
● Different Needs: Men and women may have different biological needs (e.g., related to reproductive health) or face different
societal challenges (e.g., gender-based violence). Equity acknowledges these differences and provides tailored support.
● Addressing Systemic Barriers: Equality might focus on legal rights, but equity goes further to dismantle systemic barriers that
prevent those rights from being fully realized. For example, equal pay laws are about equality, but equity might involve
parental leave policies that allow both parents to share caregiving responsibilities, thus reducing the "motherhood penalty."
● True Inclusion: A truly inclusive society recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by different groups to ensure
everyone has the chance to participate fully and thrive.
Examples of Equality and Equity in Practice:
Area Equality Equity
Education Equal access to schools for Scholarships for girls in STEM fields in areas where they are
boys and girls underrepresented; gender-sensitive curricula
Workplace Equal pay for equal work Parental leave policies for both parents; flexible work
arrangements; initiatives to promote women in leadership
Healthcare Same medical treatments for Research on gender-specific health issues; accessible reproductive
men and women health services for women
Politics Equal right to vote and run Quotas for women's representation in parliament; leadership
for office training for women candidates
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Activity/Discussion Points:
1. Identify a current social issue related to gender. How would an "equality" approach differ from an "equity" approach in
addressing it?
2. Can you think of any policies or practices in your community or country that demonstrate gender equity?
3. Why might some people resist the idea of gender equity? What are the common arguments against it, and how can they be
addressed?
Conclusion: Gender equality is the vision, and gender equity is the means to achieve it. By understanding and implementing both
principles, we can move beyond simply treating everyone the same and instead create a truly just and inclusive society where everyone
has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
