08/03/2023
Today is International Women's Day, and the theme for this year is .
What is the difference between Equality and Equity?
EQUALITY is the notion that all citizens hold the same rights, and status, and have the same opportunities under the law, with access to an even distribution of tools regardless of gender, race, disability, or class. Equality is based on the 'meritocracy myth', which presumes we can all succeed to the same level if we have the same opportunities. Equality disregards social economic status & societal norms such as sexism, racism and ableism which are barriers to success.
EQUITY recognises that we don't all start from the same place. Societally speaking, for example, we can come from different SES backgrounds, which in turn can influence the education level we achieve, or what job position we attempt to aim for. In addition to SES barriers, women, disabled women, and women of colour face societal barriers that men do not face. These include sexism, heightened ableism, the gender pay gap, higher rates of domestic abuse, and disproportional domestic responsibilities. Equity provides support, justice and opportunities tailored to each individual so that they are not disadvantaged.
Some ways to practice Equity:
- gender quotas (this does NOT mean giving women jobs they don't deserve - it means giving women jobs they are qualified in, but don't get due to male preferential bias and sexism).
- flexible workplace hours - implement core hours of 10am to 2.30pm where all meetings take place - the rest of the time staff can do their hours how they wish. This will distribute child care and family responsibilities equally.
- hybrid working environments and/or working from home - staff work better when they can work from home as well as go to the office. Additionally, disabled and immunocompromised people need to work from home even if the abled-body world thinks covid is over - it isn't for these people.
- provide additional support - ask people what they need to be able to do their jobs best.
- pay your employees equally!! Have a structured pay tier that puts everyone doing the same job on the same pay regardless of who asks for more.
- provide training in equity, unconscious bias and sexism, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
