Advancing Women's Empowerment: Exploring the Concepts of Equity and Equality

While the words ‘equality’ and ‘equity’ are often used interchangeably, they carry distinct meanings. 'Equality' aims to treat everyone the same, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all individuals. However, it does not acknowledge that different individuals may require different levels of support to overcome societal barriers. This is where equity comes into play. 'Equity' recognizes and addresses the systemic disadvantages and discrimination that certain groups, including women, face. It strives to level the playing field by providing all, with the resources, opportunities, and support needed to reach an equal outcome and create a fairer society. The difference between equality and equity is depicted perfectly in the pictures below.

EQUALITY:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

EQUITY:

In the picture above, two individuals face an imbalance in accessing a resource, symbolized by a tree. Even with equal support and tools distributed evenly, their access to the fruit remains unequal. A logical solution would involve providing each person with the precise resources they need to access the fruit. Although the tree in the picture represents a natural system at play, it is crucial to acknowledge that social systems have been intentionally designed in ways that have favored specific demographics over others. This has perpetuated discriminatory practices and beliefs, leading to outcomes that are deeply rooted in systemic biases.

For example, many consider the additional educational schemes in place for young girls like tax benefits under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ ( Save your daughter, Educate your daughter) scheme to be a form of preferential treatment. The concept of equity is in place here as it is essential to understand that certain groups may face unique barriers and disadvantages due to historical and systemic factors. In many societies, women have been historically marginalized and have faced discrimination in accessing education and pursuing academic opportunities. This has resulted in significant gender gaps in educational attainment and career advancement. The intention is not to exclude or discriminate against men, but rather to address the gender imbalance. Equity is nothing but recognizing that achieving true equality often requires targeted interventions in order to address existing disparities and promote inclusivity for historically marginalized groups. 

Thus, it is important to understand both equity and equality and to accurately distinguish between the two.

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