Soul enterprise

© 2017, Saskatchewan Health Authority

Equality or Equity?

Put the words Equality and Equity into your favorite web browser, and you are likely to find a range of images, some of them highly controversial, depicting the difference between the two concepts.

Giving people the same tools or support when their life circumstances are different will result in varied outcomes, as the graphic above demonstrates.

Giving everyone the same sized box to stand on in the picture above means that only the tallest person can reach the fruit on the tree. Adapting assistance to people’s needs will result in everyone benefiting.

Women and girls in developing countries are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change. When steps are taken to improve gender equity, these vulnerable populations can take steps — such as more efficient farming processes or having smaller families — that mitigate the negative impacts. ◆