Why we should be fighting for gender equity.
Equality and equity: what’s it all about?
Gender equality means that a person’s opportunities, rights and duties should not be based on their gender. Women, men, non-binary people, transfolk, genderfluid people and other genders should be treated equally.
The purpose of striving for equality is to create a level playing field. But that only works if everyone starts at the same place. Unfortunately, the reality across the world is that people don’t. Different genders face different barriers and start from different places. Young trans people are still waiting for years for medical support. Women are still paid less than men. How might we redress the balance with this in mind?
Let’s think about gender equity for a sec. Gender equity does not equate one gender with another. Instead, it seeks to provide fairness and justice in the allocation of resources to all genders, giving each gender an equal chance to overcome its historical and social disadvantages.
It acknowledges the unique needs of each gender and responds to them in an intersectional way that can correct the inequities brought about by the binary gender system. For decades, women and LGBTQIA+ people have been marginalised as a result of socio-historical oppression. Giving a cisgender heterosexual man and woman or gay person the same rights and social position won't therefore close the gendered gap in our society.
Equality is treating everyone the same.
Equity is giving everyone what they need to be successful.
Why is this important?
Everyone deserves to thrive. To have equal opportunities for financial independence, to develop personal ambitions, interests and talents, to share responsibility for the home and family, to be free from coercion, intimidation and gender-based violence.
Everyone also deserves to have access to an RSE which reflects their lived realities.
Gender equity in RSE looks like:
Sharing inclusive contraception information that demonstrates it as a responsibility for all genders (hormonal methods, non-hormonal methods and where to access dental dams or how to make your own)
Showing different relationship structures and orientations
Embedding rights in relation to marriage
Explaining that there is no ‘normal’ - difference is not something to fear
Identifying healthy and unhealthy behaviours in relationships
What do you think?
Gender equity and empowerment do not mean that all genders become the same; only that access to opportunities and life changes is neither dependent on, nor constrained by, their gender.
Equity is needed to ensure non-binary and queer voices are heard loud and clear. Although gender equality is the ultimate goal, it is only through gender equity that it can be achieved.