The anthem today in many advocacy groups,
non-aligned organisations, the public sector, well literary everywhere is
this,’ Let us have Gender equality’. For this reason, we equally see the rise
of many feminist groups that seek to promote the rights and interests of women,
who for decades have been regarded as seemingly inferior, marginalised and even
disregarded.
Equality says we are or must be the same,
holding the same rights, freedoms and responsibilities. A more academic
definition is that it shows the state or quality of being equal that every
individual must be treated exactly the same irrespective of their differences and
the unique requirements of those concerned. For instance, if we say the penalty
for murder is death by hanging, a first time, and possibly accidental offender
and a brutal serial killer ought to be given the same penalty. We shall not get
into the morality in this. Equity on the other hand speaks to the quality of
being equal and fair, where each individual is paid due diligence according to
their needs, requirements and abilities.
Equality is often perceived the best
approach in issues to do with gender disparities because it is seen to promote
fairness and justice because everyone will have an equal portion and value in
the stake. Equity on the other hand presents the same stake to the individuals
and it is the resolve of each to firstly decide to partake and then theirs
equally to determine their level of participation.
Can the two co-exist, probably, if they are
thoroughly understood? There are many areas of society where these issues are
brought up. I will focus on male – female relations as a case in point. Women
are regarded the weaker sex, the disadvantaged, the ones who almost need ‘very
special’ treatment to be able to match their male counterparts and often the
men are looked at as the evil ones, the limiters of progress. Regional and
national economic empowerment programs focus on inviting the participation of
largely the female majority and for some jobs, though not gender specific would
invite only female applicants, sometimes at the expense of experience or
qualification.
I am not an antifeminist, or a supporter of
the patriarchal system but I beg to ask the question, ‘Are many of the
campaigns constructed on the premise of equality and equity justified?’ I would
say quite a number need to be adjusted; in the case of gender equality for
instance we ought to recognise the rise of the confident woman in society. We
now have female leaders of industry and government. Must we then forever look
at all women as weak and incapable, and continue battling for things that can
be and are already for the taking? Similarly, in the case of equity we ought to
not forget the differences and barriers, for instance, both men and women can
be mechanical engineers but the carrying or lifting capacity or endurance in
that heavy work will be higher in men, at least most men, than women, because
of their genetic makeup.
Equity is desirable and so is equality,
nonetheless equality will only work if we understand that these individuals
must be starting at the same mark and well ought to be exactly the same. Equity
must equally be properly understood if there must be desired utility. We must
first ensure equity before we can enjoy equality in our societies and the world
at large
Article by Gift Mbewe
Gift is an optimistic young lady who enjoys
the simple things in life. She is an avid reader and researcher who has read in
various fields among them leadership, communication, international relations,
geopolitics, human and National security and Governance among others, in an effort to understand the systems
and structures as the backbone of any progressive change. Gift is also a social
entrepreneur , who is passionate about investment in women and youth, human
rights and the future of Africa and the world, creating a better world because we have what it takes. She is also an
alumni of the Young Africa Leaders Initiative SA RLC
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