The concept of gender equality has long been a rallying cry for social movements and advocates seeking to create a fairer, more inclusive world for women. But while equality implies giving everyone the same resources and opportunities, it does not always consider that individuals and groups have different needs to reach the same outcome. In reality, equity, not equality, may offer a better framework for addressing gender disparities, especially when discussing power and leadership.
This conversation has become particularly relevant following Kamala Harris’s concession in the recent U.S. presidential election, a moment that left many women feeling disheartened. As the first woman of colour to reach the vice presidency, Harris’s candidacy ignited hope, yet her defeat underscored the significant roadblocks still facing females in leadership. It may be time to rethink the path forward by considering equity over pure equality in discussions around women’s place in power structures.
Equality vs. Equity: Understanding the Difference
Equality implies sameness; the idea that if everyone receives the same treatment, fairness will follow. However, this does not account for the historical and cultural challenges that have kept women and other marginalised groups from achieving equal footing. Equity, on the other hand, is about fairness; it recognises that people start from different places and need tailored resources to reach the same outcomes.
The comparison between equality and equity can be illustrated in many ways. Take the example of a workplace where a male and a female employee start with the same job title and pay. On the surface, this appears to be equality. However, if the woman faces greater scrutiny or has limited access to mentorship, her path to advancement is unfairly blocked. An equity-based approach would recognise these barriers and provide tailored support, such as mentorship programmes and leadership development for females, to address imbalances that equality alone cannot fix.
Why Equity Matters for Women in Power
For women in power, equity is a necessary consideration. Studies have shown that men and women experience professional environments differently, particularly in leadership roles. Female leaders often face greater scrutiny, higher expectations, and are more likely to be questioned on their capabilities. Moreover, many societies continue to grapple with traditional gender roles, which place additional burdens on women who choose to pursue high-power careers. These systemic biases have made it harder for women to thrive at the highest levels of power.
Kamala Harris’s career is a powerful example of how equity can create opportunities. Her journey to the vice presidency was made possible by policies, mentorship, and targeted support that recognised the unique challenges faced by women of colour in politics. Without these supports, Harris might not have reached such a high office. For future women leaders, policies that address specific barriers – – such as unconscious bias training, funding for women-led campaigns, and support for work-life balance; could provide essential scaffolding that an equality-based approach alone would lack.
The Pitfalls of Equality as a Solution
The call for equality has also led to a misconception that women need to “prove” themselves by taking on roles or tasks identical to those traditionally held by men. This expectation is neither fair nor realistic. Women’s strengths, perspectives, and approaches to leadership can differ from men’s, and these differences can bring valuable insights and positive change. For example, studies have shown that women are more likely to adopt collaborative and empathetic leadership styles, which can benefit organizational culture and decision-making.
A demand for equality can inadvertently suggest that women must conform to a model of success defined largely by men’s experiences. Equity, by contrast, allows women to bring their unique strengths to leadership roles without the need to fit a mold. In the political sphere, for instance, policies that provide funding and resources specifically for female candidates can address financial disparities that might prevent qualified women from running for office.
Equity in Action: Changing Structures and Systems
The pursuit of equity calls for a reevaluation of existing systems. Many societal structures were not designed with women’s success in mind; they were often created by men, for men. To address this, we must identify and dismantle biases and barriers that women encounter in their pursuit of leadership. In the workplace, for example, equity-focused initiatives could include flexible work schedules, paid family leave, and a reevaluation of leadership pipelines to ensure females have access to the same growth opportunities as men.
One of the key areas where equity can make a difference is in politics. Female candidates often face unique obstacles, including funding shortages, heightened scrutiny, and personal attacks based on gender. An equity approach would mean creating policies that level the playing field, such as publicly funded campaigns for female candidates, mentorship programs, and protections against gender-based harassment. These measures not only empower women but also enhance the diversity of political leadership, benefiting society as a whole.
Addressing Misconceptions About Gender Roles
Another challenge in the equity vs. equality debate is the misconception that women and men are interchangeable in all aspects. Some advocates for equality argue that women can do anything men can – and while this is true in terms of ability, it overlooks the fact that females may bring different perspectives and priorities to their work. Rather than expecting women to adopt traditionally “male” characteristics, we should value the unique contributions that both genders bring to the table.
For example, expecting women to perform equally in highly physical tasks – such as manual labor or competitive sports against men – is unrealistic and unnecessary. This comparison often serves as an argument against gender equality, but it ignores the broader, more meaningful contributions women can make in fields like politics, education, healthcare, and technology. By promoting equity, we allow women to thrive in ways that honor their strengths rather than forcing them into a “one-size-fits-all” mold of success.
Moving Forward: Equity as a Path to Meaningful Change
The call for equity over equality may sound nuanced, but it’s an essential shift in our thinking. By focusing on equity, we can address the unique barriers that prevent females from achieving true equality in power and leadership. This approach recognizes that fairness doesn’t always mean treating everyone the same; it means providing each individual with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Kamala Harris’s rise and her subsequent concession have shown that while progress has been made, much work remains. Her campaign represented a historic milestone but underscored the importance of addressing systemic barriers that hinder females in leadership. By embracing equity, we can create a society where women and all individuals can lead, succeed, and make meaningful contributions without facing unnecessary obstacles.
Ultimately, equity allows us to honour the differences that make us unique while striving for a fairer, more inclusive world. It’s a framework that acknowledges our shared humanity and values each person’s potential, regardless of gender. As we move forward, adopting an equity-based approach may be the most effective way to empower women in all areas of life – from the workplace to the highest offices in the land.
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