WHAT IS GENDER EQUITY?

Two guiding principles are at the core of gender equity: fairness and impartiality. Fairness has to do with just treatment without favoritism or prejudice, while impartiality is defined as treating all parties equally. Equity, in its simplest terms, means meeting communities where they are and allocating resources and opportunities as needed to create equal outcomes for all community members (find out more about the differences between equity and equality here). Gender equity, defined by the European Institute for Gender Equality, is the “provision of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women, men and all genders. ” Gender equity is important because, historically, societies around the world have deemed females, transgender people, and nonbinary people as “weaker” or less important than males. Today, gender equity has helped shape and change the roles and expectations of men, women and all genders at work, home and in society. Our world is a better place when all people are accepted for their talents, skills, and abilities, regardless of gender.

WHAT DOES GENDER EQUITY MEAN?

Gender equity means respecting all people without discrimination, regardless of their gender. It also means addressing gender inequalities that limit a person’s ability to access opportunities to achieve better health, education and economic opportunity based on their gender.

BENEFITS OF GENDER EQUITY

Gender equity improves opportunities for all and allows people to pursue their dreams despite gender. Below are several benefits of gender equity.

Example 1: Health Care Benefits

We cannot overemphasize the importance of gender equity in health care because the medical profession has favored the male anatomy in research and education. It was not until 1993 that Congress passed a law requiring clinical trials to include women and minorities in the study of diseases and treatments. Yet to this day, doctors are more likely to dismiss a woman’s physical pain as being mental, emotional or even suggest that the patient is a hypochondriac. An article on WebMD revealed that in 2016, Dr. Marjorie Jenkins published a national survey of sex and gender in medical education stating that only 34.5% of medical students “would feel prepared to manage sex and gender difference in health care.” True gender equity in health care means all genders are heard and treated well, instead of having their pain be dismissed based on their gender identity and anatomy.

Example 2: Workplace Benefits

Employers benefit when the contributions of collective minds are respected and received without prejudice, discrimination or favoritism. A work environment that welcomes diversity of thought and is free from inequities improves life satisfaction for women and men. Gender equity drives creativity, innovation and opens the door to endless possibilities.

Example 3: Societal Benefits

Gender equity removes the obstacles to progress that are inherent in our society and it is the bridge to treating all people fairly, whether they are male, female, transgender or nonbinary. It solves problems with our labor force by providing more opportunities for women to excel in professions currently dominated by men. It allows all genders to express thought without fear of bias or bigotry, which increases collaboration in families, communities, work and politics. Gender equity reduces crime and violence against women and makes communities safer on all levels.

HOW TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One way to promote gender equity is to celebrate strong women in all aspects of life. History bears a long list of intelligent and powerful women who have broken barriers and changed the future for women everywhere . Share with your neighbors, community and coworkers what women have accomplished to improve our world and join the efforts of organizations focused on equity work, like United Way of the National Capital Area. You can get involved by giving, advocating or volunteering, as well as by educating yourself more on equity by earning an Equity Advocate Badge, taking United Way NCA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Quiz, signing up for the 21 Day Race Equity Journey and more.

When none are ignored, all will thrive.

Gender Equity

Gender equity refers to the concept of providing fairness and impartiality in opportunities, resources, and treatment for individuals of all genders. It aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has equal access to the same opportunities, rights, and benefits in all areas of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social and political participation.

Gender equity recognizes that historically, women and other marginalized genders have faced various forms of discrimination, inequality, and disadvantage. It seeks to address and rectify these disparities by promoting equal rights, representation, and empowerment.

Achieving gender equity involves challenging and dismantling societal norms, stereotypes, and systemic barriers that contribute to gender-based inequalities. It requires promoting equal opportunities for education and career advancement, addressing gender wage gaps, eliminating gender-based violence and harassment, and fostering inclusive policies and practices.

Gender equity is a fundamental aspect of promoting social justice and building a more inclusive society. It recognizes that gender equality goes beyond simply treating everyone the same and acknowledges the unique challenges and experiences faced by different genders. By striving for gender equity, we aim to create a society where all individuals have equal opportunities and can fully participate, regardless of their gender identity.