Equality Versus Equity
The Equality and Human Rights Commission states that ‘equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents’. Ultimately, it is to ensure that no matter a person’s circumstances, they should be treated the same and offered the same opportunities in order to maintain equality.
But before this, and more importantly, people need to have an equal footing. Equity ensures that specific needs for specific groups of people are recognised and acknowledged to ensure that there is a level playing field to create this notion of equality. Equity refers to the provision of varying levels of support – based on specific needs – to achieve greater fairness of treatment and outcomes.*
To give an example of equity in action: if an organisation has an entrance that all employees must use and the entrance is there to ensure everyone has equal access to the building, yet the entrance does not have a ramp, it is inaccessible for someone in a wheelchair. The idea that offering the same thing to everyone equates to an equal society is far from the truth – to acknowledge differences and provide appropriate support is how we can ensure equity for all and as a result, equality.
