Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.
International Women’s Day is powered by the collective efforts of all. Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity are what makes International Women’s Day impactful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist, and activist once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
So make International Women’s Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid. Celebrating women’s achievements and increasing visibility, while calling out inequality, is key.
Equality versus Equity: What’s the difference as we #EmbraceEquity for IWD 2023 and beyond?
The words equity and equality are often used interchangeably. Etymologically, the root word they share is ‘aequus,’ meaning “even” or “fair” or “equal” – which led to equity being from the Latin ‘aequitas,’ and equality from ‘aequalitas.’ Yet, despite these similarities, equity and equality are inherently different concepts, and the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme seeks to help forge worldwide conversation about this important issue and its impact.
So, what’s the difference between ‘equity’ and ‘equality’ and why is it important to understand, value, and acknowledge? The IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme seeks to get the world talking about why “equal opportunities are no longer enough” – and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive.
Defining equality and equity: Let’s start with a basic definition of each word. Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. Belgium-based YouTuber Tamara Makoni, founder of Kazuri Consulting as she clearly explains the difference between equality and equity – and why it truly matters: “Imagine that you are babysitting two children, and they are hungry,” says Tamara. “You go to the fruit bowl, and you start to pick up two apples to give them to each child. However, you remember at the last moment that one of the children is allergic to apples. Instead, you reach for one apple and one banana, and that way you’re being fair,” explains Tamara. “You still give one piece of fruit to each child, but you’re also being equitable because you’re giving each child a legitimate way of satisfying their hunger. If you had gone for two apples, the child who’s allergic to the apple would on the surface have a way to satisfy their hunger, but they couldn’t do that without getting ill. In this way you’re being fair. You’re giving each child a piece of fruit but, you’re also giving them something that is in line with their individual needs so they can be successful.”
Look for local activities to join in your community, or find ones, including hundreds of free virtual activities on the official website: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
