While equity and equality may sound similar, in reality, they are anything but. The implementation of one versus the other can lead to dramatically different outcomes both within and outside the workplace, so let's see what they mean and their differences. 

Equality
Equality means giving each individual the same resources or opportunities without paying any attention to the fairness of the desired outcome. 
Equity
Equity on the other hand, recognises that every person has different outcomes and capabilities and thus provides the resources necessary to reach an equal outcome. 

Equity Vs Equality

Our society is making strides in achieving equality in all fields of life, yet being fair and equal is not always sufficient. Sometimes people may need different treatments to achieve their goals. Equity ensures this. 

"Equity is the way to ensure equality."

The best example of this would be the stark contrast between the number of female STEM graduates in India Vs those in the workforce. Indian female STEM graduates make up almost 50% of total graduates, yet not even half of them are in the workforce.
This shows that, apart from equal access to education for everyone, there is a need for extra support and encouragement for women to enter the workforce, and action may be needed to make it accessible for women.

In other words- "Give different treatment for equal opportunity."

Equity doesn't undermine equality; rather, it provides the means to achieve it. Equality is undermined when equity is used incorrectly, like providing less support to women in engineering based on low numbers.

Conclusion

Equity and Equality are different yet bound together; therefore, in order to achieve true equality, equity is necessary. However, we must be cautious when dealing with equity; providing too much for those who don't need it and too little for those in dire need of it would lead to disastrous outcomes, further exacerbating the existing inequalities.

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