This includes a broad mix of socio, political and economic rights secured throughout the years, from gaining the right to vote in 1928, the right to equal pay in 1975, the right to maternity leave in 1994 and many many more. While it is a day for celebrating the rights women have achieved thus far, it is also emblematic of a need for continued positive change and awareness of gender equality and equity. 

As IWD so nicely puts it, “we can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity.” 

While you might hear the words used interchangeably, they are by no means the same.  

Equality means all individuals getting the same thing, by virtue of an assumption that everyone is starting out in the exact same place.  

Equity on the other hand, means giving individuals the resources needed to be successful according to their individual needs. Equity means making sure that every person, in light of their diverse lived experiences, has what they need to be successful. 

A notable example of this is pay within the workplace. With the recent Chambers Gender Pay Gap Report discussed by the Gender strand of INSPIRE, findings show a company-wide decline in the gender pay gap and an overall fall by approximately a quarter among all employees.  

Gender equity applied in this context then, would require the design and implementation of solutions to address further gaps, for example re-assessing a company's promotional framework.  

In other words, being equitable in the workplace means ensuring that women and others are not paid less – if gender gaps exist, it means putting in place the processes and resources required to fix this. 

A second, more recent example linked with this, is that of the ‘Hybrid work model’ - now in place since Covid-19. According to a recent report released by CMI, the reduced visibility of individuals working from home can affect those who already face disadvantage because of structural inequalities.  

Failure to embrace gender equity in the corporate setting now runs the risk of widening the gap, unless the correct solutions are put in place to suit all genders. 

It is about everyone coming together to ensure a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive – as without equity, we cannot have equality. 

With Chambers & Partners dedication to gender equity, we must continue to challenge assumptions in order to cultivate an organisational culture capable of harnessing the power of all genders.  

We came together to show support at Chambers by hosting a fantastic guest speaker for International Women’s History Day, Coral Hill. We heard her take on what it means to embrace equity and the personal journey she has taken to get to where she is.