Understanding The Difference Between Gender Equity and Gender Equality
                     Understanding The 
Difference Between 
Gender Equity and 
Gender Equality
https://goodmanlantern.com/
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Conversations about gender equality have always been an 
important part of history. But now more than ever, they are also 
taking place in Hollywood, news media, classrooms and 
boardrooms. 
This surge of discussion is bringing to light both how we’ve failed 
to acknowledge and prioritise gender equality in the past and 
how a new generation of advocates has risen to combat it. 
Gender equality refers to the same treatment, recognition, value 
and access, regardless of gender. It implies that each person 
should be able to enjoy their human rights and fundamental 
freedoms without any discrimination based on gender. 
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Gender equity goes a step further in correcting past inequalities in 
ensuring fairness. While it focuses on non-discrimination, it 
acknowledges that genders have different needs and experience 
different obstacles in life. 
While both terms address concerns around inequality between 
genders, they are distinct concepts. They have different 
implications for policymakers, organisations and individuals alike. 
Gender equity prioritises justice for all genders. It happens by 
providing additional resources or support depending on the 
particular needs of each gender.
As we continue to enter uncharted waters, these conversations 
remain essential for achieving widespread understanding and 
change with regard to this ongoing issue. 3
Gender 
Indifferences 
Today
A new global analysis of 
progress on gender 
equality and women’s 
rights paints an overall 
grim picture. It reveals 
that women and girls 
remain more adversely 
affected by its long-
standing roots of 
inequality post the 
COVID-19 pandemic. 
They are facing larger job 
and livelihood losses, 
education disruptions, 4
and heavier demands for 
unpaid care work. 
The findings highlight the urgent need for immediate action to curb 
unfair practices. They also ensure a pathway towards true gender 
equity and, eventually, gender equality. At this juncture in history, it is 
more important than ever for all stakeholders to come together and 
contribute towards the realisation of female empowerment.
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Gender Equality 
Gender equality does not mean that men and women must be equal 
in every single way. Rather, it is about recognising and accepting 
differences between genders, eliminating any obstacles or 
disadvantages caused by one gender over the other. It is also about 
ensuring both genders are afforded the same rights, responsibilities, 
and opportunities. 
Gender equality involves treating both genders without prejudice or 
discrimination in laws, policies, processes, and practices. It can offer 
benefits for women and girls in current situations of gender 
inequality. But it will also benefit men who have been subject to 
traditional gender expectations. 
Overall, gender equality leads to an environment of fairness. It is 6
where each individual’s talents can be nurtured fully, free from 
restrictions due to their sex.
Gender Equity
Gender equity is a concept that has been gaining attention in recent 
years as more people realise the importance of giving men and 
women equal opportunities and rights. Although gender equity does 
not mean total equality between men and women, it does mean that 
both genders should have fair access to resources, benefits, and 
obligations in order for them to thrive. 
The provision of opportunities can resemble providing similar or 
dissimilar treatment that is considered equivalent, according to the 
respective needs of each gender. Gender equity is critical for creating 
a more balanced society where everyone’s individual potential can 
be fully realised.
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Gender equity is an awareness and understanding that men and 
women have varied needs, both in the home and in the workplace. 
This principle ensures fairness of treatment for both genders – taking 
into account individual performance, competencies, and skills. 
True gender equity involves creating policies in the workplace, such 
as: 
• Granting employees access to resources regardless of sex.
• Providing equal opportunities for recognition and career 
advancement for all employees. 
• Offering flexible work arrangements that fit a variety of 
employees’ needs.
It can result in improved overall business performance when 
implemented correctly. 
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With evolving mindsets, today’s organisations recognise the need for 
gender equity in order to create a fair and balanced workforce culture. 
It is where organisations give everyone an equal chance to succeed.
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Why Gender 
Equity Leads to 
Gender Equality
The gift and the curse of 
equity is its dual meaning 
as both a noun—the state 
of being equal—and a 
verb—the act of providing 
fairness. While gender 
equality implies treating 
everyone equally 
regardless of their sex, 
gender equity requires 
taking into account 
distinct needs, 
differences, and 
challenges to ensure 10
individuals have the same 
opportunity for success. 
Bringing clarity to this conversation about equity is essential for 
businesses. They understand its importance in eliminating the gender 
gap and creating policies that promote fairness for all. Doing this will 
empower companies to build a culture of inclusion and benefit from its 
rewards as more people can participate in the work environment 
regardless of gender identity.
Equity can potentially have a broadened meaning in business; if 
managed correctly, it can be a tool of substantial benefit to 
organisations. 
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Distinction 
Between the 
Concepts
Gender equity and gender
 equality 
are often seen as 
interchangeable; 
however, this lack of 
distinction can be both a 
challenge and an 
opportunity for 
businesses. It is a 
challenge because those 
involved in forming 
policies can overlook the 
nuances of each concept. 
Consequently, they miss 
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out on unlocking the full 
potential of such 
initiatives. 
On the other hand, by gaining clarity and purpose around gender 
equity, organisations are presented with an opportunity to create 
real change. By understanding the differences between gender 
equity and gender equality, businesses can progressively look to 
close any existing gaps in standards. This could lead to even 
greater success for staff across all genders within their 
organisation.
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Businesses and organisations need to learn more about the 
importance of enhancing women’s leadership opportunities and 
cultivating an equal workplace to begin truly carving a 
sustainable approach to equity. 
Overall, striving to achieve and bring forth gender equity will 
eventually lead to the desired end destination of gender equality. 
It is a long road flooded with obstacles and illusions. But the 
sooner we clear the path ahead, the quicker we’ll witness a world 
equal for all. 
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THANK
YOU!
Goodman 
Lantern
Phone: Email: Website:
+1 9292993999 [email protected] https://goodmanlantern.c
om om/
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