This year's theme is "Embrace Equity".  One of the earliest examples of equity is found in Medieval England, when English courts settled disputes according to Common Law. Justice was uniform and consistent, but not necessarily fair. For example, if two people both commit theft, but the stolen items have different value, should they receive the same punishment? Since then, Courts have adopted the principle of equity, taking a case-by-case approach to consider differing circumstances.

In political terms, equality is one of the foundations of democracy. Equality is based on the belief that all people should have the same opportunities for a happy life. Equity is linked to the ideal that success is based on personal efforts and not social status.  While much of the historical work towards women's issues has been focused on equality, perhaps we should look towards equity as a better principle to progress our society. Equity acknowledges that people don't begin life in the same place, and that circumstances can make it more difficult for people to achieve the same goals.

However, equity-based solutions take into account the diverse lived experiences of individuals and communities, adapting services and policies according to these differences.

Equity is a long-term and sustainable solution, and is a process for addressing imbalanced social systems.  Equality focuses on providing all genders with equal opportunities, such as a woman's right to vote. Yet, women often require more than a level playing field. They need to belong in a global culture that actively promotes and supports them in all aspects of their life, from education to the workplace to health.

Gender is intersectional, and women as a group are truly diverse. Policies that benefit white women, for example, may not benefit women of color due to historical or current inequalities. A shift from gender equality to the process of gender equity is required for meaningful progress.

I hope you will make it part of your daily life and work to educate friends, family, colleagues, and the community on the need for equity.  If we are truly to create an equal and inclusive world, we will need to understand the difference between equity and equality whether it is in our home, work, school, community, government institutions, or business environment.  

Visit International Women's Day for more ways to engage in equity work in your community. 

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