Every year we celebrate International Women’s Day; the poses, the events, the conversations all around the same thing, and that is the need to close the gender gap and gain fairness for all, especially women who have been marginalized for years.

This year’s campaign theme, #EmbraceEquity, is to get everyone talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. 

Imagine you had to care for two children, a one-month-old and a six-year-old, and by some mysterious occurrence (because with kids, you can never predict), they both are hungry simultaneously. As the caretaker, you panic, and then you decide to give both of them the same thing - a bottle of infant formula - you pat yourself on the back and go about your merry way, only to be accosted by the six-year-old who has let you know that she cannot drink the formula. You then decide to make a sandwich for both children, but then the baby is crying because she’s really hungry; she cannot eat the sandwich and cannot lift the infant formula bottle.

Do you see the issue here?

Equality and equity are terms often used interchangeably, but they are different. Equality means treating everyone the same, while equity means treating everyone fairly by considering their unique needs and circumstances.

Therefore, embracing equity means recognizing and addressing systemic barriers that prevent certain individuals or groups from achieving their full potential.

Achieving equity is not an easy task, and it requires a significant shift in mindset and approach. However, it is essential to create a more just and fair society. Here are some steps we can take to embrace equity:

Recognize and Acknowledge Historical Injustice

Many marginalized communities have experienced historical injustice, such as discrimination, violence, and exclusion. These experiences have resulted in systemic barriers that still exist today. Embracing equity requires us to acknowledge and address these injustices and to work towards creating a more equitable future.

Understand the Difference Between Equality and Equity

As mentioned earlier, equality and equity are not the same things. Treating everyone the same does not always result in fair outcomes. Embracing equity requires us to take into account individual circumstances and provide resources and support to those who need it most. Always remember the analogy of taking care of children, equality focuses on the tools, while equity focuses on the outcome.

Address Structural Inequalities

Structural inequalities such as poverty, racism, sexism, and ableism are deeply embedded in our society. Embracing equity means addressing these structural inequalities head-on and implementing policies and practices that address the root causes of these inequalities.

Encourage Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are crucial components of embracing equity. It means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.

Hold Ourselves Accountable

Embracing equity requires ongoing self-reflection and examination of our own biases and assumptions. It means holding ourselves accountable and actively working towards creating a more equitable world.

Embracing equity is not a one-time event but a continuous process. It requires us to examine and challenge our assumptions and beliefs continually. It requires us to take action to address systemic barriers and to advocate for those who have been historically excluded or marginalized.

Embracing equity is the right thing to do and is essential for creating a more just and fair society. By working towards equity, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.