What Is Gender Equality?
The promotion and attainment of gender equality is important for all countries to eliminate discrimination based on gender against women and girls, boys and men in social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of life. Gender equality ensures that all people, whether female or male, can actively and meaningfully participate in the development of their lives, communities, and societies, free from discrimination on the basis of being female or male.
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The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) defines gender equality as follows: "Equality between women and men (gender equality): refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups of women and men. Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage men as well as women. Equality between women and men is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centered development." Source: Concepts and definitions, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) website |
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In Canada, the definition of gender equality used by Status of Women Canada and other federal government departments, and which is consistent with international usage of the term, is as follows: "Women and men enjoy the same status and have equal opportunity to realize their full human rights and potential to contribute to national, political, economic, social and cultural development, and to benefit from the results. [...] Gender equality, therefore, is the equal valuing by society of both the similarities and differences between women and men, and the varying roles they play." Source: Policy on Gender Equality, Global Affairs Canada, 2016 |
Gender equality and gender equity do not mean the same thing. They are often understood to have the same meaning, but they do not. Gender equity is the introduction of measures, such as quotas or affirmative action, to ensure that women and men are given the same opportunities as equals; for example, in access to health care, education, employment, or participation in political life. Gender equity establishes fairness between women and men, but it does not in itself address the systemic sources of discrimination that women face. Nevertheless, measures that establish gender equity between women and men can contribute to the achievement of gender equality.
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Another important conceptual distinction is that gender does not mean women. The concept of gender is: “the socially constructed roles and responsibilities of women and men... it includes the expectations held about the characteristics, aptitudes and likely behaviours of both women and men. These roles and expectations are learned, changeable over time, and variable within and between cultures.” The concept of sex, however, refers to the biological differences that distinguish males from females. Source: Gender-Based Analysis Policy, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 2006. |
Gender sensitivity and gender responsiveness are also common terms linked to gender equality and equity. These terms refer to the analysis and actions undertaken to acknowledge the gender differences and inequalities that may exist between women and girls, boys and men and how they are, or can be, differentially affected by laws, policies, regulations, programs, and so on. These terms also refer to the efforts that are, or need to be, taken to ensure gender inequalities are addressed. Gender sensitivity can be exercised in the use of language; for example, by using words that are gender neutral and more inclusive. Gender-sensitive language avoids assumptions about the traditional roles that men and women play.
Similarly, when developing and implementing policies or programs, gender responsiveness can ensure that consideration is given to how the policy or program may affect men and women differently so that it is designed to mitigate gender inequalities and contribute to gender equality.
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