Equity. How is it different from equality?

“Equality is giving everyone the same pair of shoes. Equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fits.” - Anon

The world is made of systems, practices and services that more often than not do not recognise the barriers experienced by certain individuals or groups of people. As individuals, we each carry our own baggage, we come from different backgrounds, have our own personal beliefs, survived different experiences, witnessed diverse realities and faced a number of challenges. Our baggage places us at different points in the society we live in meaning that our starting point is not always on an equal footing. 

This is where equality and equity come in. Taking the image above, equality would give all three individuals the same exact box for them to be able to stand on and therefore considered to be treated in an ‘equal’ manner. Yet, the outcome is not an equal one at all with some individuals being in a more favourable position than those who needed different resources and assistance.    

Therefore, equity comes into play. Equity recognises such barriers and taking on an equitable approach would mean that each individual or group of people are treated fairly and given the individual, specific resources they require which allows them to maximise their potential and succeed.