EQUITY VERSUS EQUALITY By Ogunyemi Ebenezer

The phrase "all for equal" as the theme for this year's international women's day did not just have women celebrated but also triggered marches around the world to raise awareness of discrimination against women.

Equality has always been a quest that seems would never end, women have always sort it, employees have always craved it, thepoor in society have always suffered the lack of it even children most time tends not to enjoy it.

It is best discribed as a state where everybody are seen as samewhen it comes to right, age, gender, statue and opportunity which is quite different from being Impartial and fair in dispositions termed as equity though both often goes together.

The need for equality and equity in every area of life as it concerns people management can not be over emphasized however the understanding of which is sacrosanct so we administer per timedefines the positivety of the outcome thereof.

In the world of sport,we have the women and men world cup separately, but have we come to think why this two sexes are not combined to play together? oh yeah " the strength of a woman does not equal that of a man" would first come to your mind thus they are allowed to flex their muscles amongst their equals for equity (fairness) sake.

The struggle for Woman to be given equal opportunity in terms of administration and control of a group, leadership roles in the society and equal platform for their voice to be heard is beginning to gain recognition in this day and age maybe because of how well it has been clamored for all these years especially in celebrating their dayand for equality sake even non feminist are seeing reasons with it.

When the right of different group of people such as men and women, blacks and whites are put in consideration in order to enjoy the benefit of similar social status and receive the same treatment without the fear of discrimination then equality is in place, in situations when varying levels of support based on specific needs is provided to achieve greater fairness of treatment and outcome equity is thus in place. 

It is important to note that to achieve equality, one requires the application of policies ensuring equity.

Down to the smallest unit of the society for example which is the family, equality and equity is put in the balance to determine whichshould be applied and which would work; a baby eating amongstolder siblings would need to be spoon fed by the mother though the child can be considered "equal" with the others as been offspring butequity presupposes that the child is fed.

The world would be a better place if people deliberately decides to put into consideration the need for equality and equity in all area of interpersonal relationships. This would go a long way in changing the narrative in all sector of the society at least people should be reassured of maximum security for all irrespective of religion, culture and social class, In Nigeria people should be free to travel and settle anywhere without fear of cultural, religious or ethnical discrimination, people should be free to apply for jobs with peace of mind without knowing anybody, free to do business whereever and with whoever.

The world these days they say is gone crazy with each one fighting for his interest but we are all we've got and the understanding of equality and equity would fix a lot. While you are busy thinking of accepting equality (as clamoured for women in society for example) be fair enough to think of equity and it application as a good start.

Members of the rotary family have a four way test that helps regulate their dealings with peoples which of a surety can help anyone with a positive disposition as it concerns equity and equality, it goes thus; before doing a thing first ask yourself,

• Is it the truth?

• Is it fair to all concerned?

• Will it build goodwill and better friendship?

• Is it beneficial to all concerned? 

ABOUT THE WRITER 

Name:OGUNYEMI A EBENEZER

School: The Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

Course: Electrical/Electronic (power and machine option)

Work: Close Circuit Television Camera CCTV  installer