Embracing Equity - International Women's Day

Equity and equality are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different.

Equality is about treating everyone the same, regardless of their individual differences and circumstances. The idea is to provide equal opportunities and outcomes to everyone, so that everyone has the same chance of success. While this is an admirable goal, it doesn't always address the underlying inequalities that exist in society, particularly when it comes to marginalised groups like women.

Equity, on the other hand, is about providing people with what they need to be successful, based on their individual circumstances. It recognises that different people have different needs and experiences, and that treating everyone the same is not always enough to ensure fair outcomes.

Let's align this to horses so there can be NO CONFUSION. THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT!!

Equality in providing riding equipment would mean providing the same type of saddle, bridle, or other riding gear to every horse, regardless of their body shape or size. However, this approach might not be fair or comfortable for all horses, as different horses may require different types of equipment to fit their unique bodies. Equity would require providing a variety of riding equipment options, including different sizes and shapes of saddles and bridles, to ensure that every horse is comfortable and can perform to the best of their abilities.

Another example just think of training and exercise. Equality in training and exercise would mean providing the same amount and type of training and exercise to every horse, regardless of their breed, age, or skill level. However, this approach might not be fair or effective for all horses, as different horses may have different training needs or abilities. Equity would require providing customized training plans based on each horse's individual needs and abilities, to ensure that every horse has the opportunity to develop and perform to their fullest potential.

The difference between equity and equality is crucial, especially when it comes to women and their fight for equal rights. Women have been fighting for equality for centuries, but despite the progress that has been made, they still face significant challenges when it comes to achieving equity. I picked 5 that are incredibly obvious to me as a guy.

1. The gender pay gap.
2. Lack of representation in leadership positions.
3. The motherhood penalty.
4. Sexual harassment and assault.
5. Respect.

These challenges demonstrate that simply treating everyone the same is not enough to ensure that women have equal opportunities and outcomes. To truly embrace equity, we need to acknowledge and address these systemic inequalities and provide women with the support and resources they need to succeed.

This includes implementing policies, initiatives and campaigns that address the gender pay gap, increase the representation of women in leadership positions, address the motherhood penalty, prevent sexual harassment and assault and irradiate mansplaining or treating women as little girls.

It also means creating a culture that values and respects all women, and actively works to challenge gender bias and stereotypes. This includes promoting education and awareness about gender equality, encouraging men to be allies and advocates for women's rights, and creating safe spaces for women to speak out about their experiences and challenges... that is what we are Equitas are trying to do. THAT IS WHY WE BUILT EQUITAS.

Tomorrow is March 8th and it is International Women's Day. The campaign this year could not be more suited to Equitas, our writers and our community. It is the #EmbraceEquity Campaign.

We have a simple ask to celebrate tomorrow. Let's show them who we look up to and let's tell them WHY!! This can be friends, family, partners, sports stars, coaches, trainers or women that are no longer with us that inspired you.

You can join us in one of these ways:

1. Post 2 pictures of women who have inspired you or you look up to and tell us WHY. Use the hashtag #EmbraceEquity and our hashtag #TheEquitasGeneration so we can track these and share them around the world to celebrate women that are important to you.
2. Post a short 30 second to 1 minute video tomorrow giving a shoutout to 3 women you look up to or are important to you. Use the hashtag #EmbraceEquity and our hashtag #TheEquitasGeneration so we can track these and share them around the world to celebrate women that are important to you.

We'll be posting some video examples from The National Equine Show first thing tomorrow and some photos to show exactly what we mean!! We hope you join us on a day where we celebrate all women of the world, both past and present.