Gender Equity VS Gender Equality

GENDER EQUITY VS GENDER EQUALITY

As written in the first book of the Bible, God first made man and later made woman for fear of loneliness. But come to think he took time to make the woman from the man’s rib means to an extent, a woman possess somecapabilities of the man with the exception of fertilization. Women were initially created to assist men. Assisting in a good sense does not solely mean working under someone. An employer can still assist an employee with some needs he/she cannot possess. This is to say that women can still assist men from any position be it at professional level or at home.

The first characteristic of a woman is management. Women are born good planners and managers. Think of a mother who plans her daily activities a week before, aday before or in the early mornings before undertaking an activity. She is capable of taking care of the entire family needs. Like, ensure her husband and children’s clothes are neat and well ironed, ensure breakfast, lunch and super is ready on time, ensure that everything at home is neat and all needs are shopped on time.Come to link (or connecting) it to professionalism, a woman, being conscious of all the works she has to do knows better how to plan herself and get everything done in time. This talent has been well recognised in schools and managerial seats. The question is, what is hidden under politics which subtract most women from the midst of male politicians. Could it be that men don’t like women to mingle or women shy away from politics?Several ladies are topping up in education but few in the political environment. This take us to an understanding of gender equity and equality.

What is gender? 

Gender should not be confused or misinterpreted for sex. Sex refers to different biological and physiological characteristics of females, males and intersex persons such as chromosomes, hormones and reproductive organs. On the other hand, Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. Gender varies from society to society and can change over time.

It will be unjust to minimise or under look a set of human beings without taking note of their capabilities. Some women or men might not be able to handle a particular position due to inadequate strength, intelligence or financial status. It will be proper if a man and woman alike can assist one another as was God’s initial purpose since creation. This assistance could be both at home and at professional level. Generally, men are physically strong but women are smart and innovative. In an environment where intelligence is placed hand in hand with strength, development follows. Also, where people are granted equal right to operate, it promotes team work and hence, growth. Therefore, by referring to gender being more of social and cultural in nature than biological, it means the role men and women play in the society changes over time. And as time changes, women become more exposed to education and growth. Hence need to be given the opportunity to display their talent or skills. Integrating both male and female talents in the society will make it more just and equitable.

This brings us to what is referred to as gender equality and gender equity. Many people usually confuse between the two terms or take them to mean the same but no, they are different but all aimed at improvements. 

Understanding gender equity and gender inequality

Equity in simplified terms is the act of giving everyone what they need in order to be successful. Equity does not necessarily mean bias of favouritism but rather, granting access to opportunities and life changes. This has to do with redressing power imbalances and giving the weaker sex more autonomy to manage their lives. Equity leads to gender equality where men and women are placed at the same level

Whereas, equality is the act of treating everyone the same. Giving out the same opportunity or treatments.

Steps to achieve gender equity and equality

There exist some differences between the roles of men and women and these differences demand different approaches. Ignoring gender equity and equality is like reducing the opportunity to progress by limiting half of its population to assist in decision making process. When women are constrained from reaching their full potential, that potential is lost to the society. In order to avoid such a lost, the following measures should be considered:

➢ Include female voices in global and national decision-making

➢ Stop child marriage and sexual harassment

➢ Giving girls images and role models will help a lot in expanding their dreams

➢ Give proper value to women’s work especially in the private sector. 

➢ Get women to power.

To conclude, gender equality and equity can fully be effective if the output given by males and females are satisfactory. Therefore, in order to achieve our target, hard work should be the theme of each day.

 

By Lenjo Audry

References

Karen C, February 2018. Sex and gender: what is the difference. Available online at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com

UNFPA, 2005. Frequently asked questions about gender equality.