There’s shoes. And then there is shoes…..

Last week I talked about doing a key note speech at Accelerate HR on “The E in DEI. Breaking down the barriers to create a truly inclusive culture.

One of the key items I’m talking about is the difference between Equity and Equality. I found this quote which I love and I think explains the difference well.

"Equality is giving everyone the same pair of shoes. Equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fit.”

I’m not sure who the author of this quote is but a few months ago I was in Zara where I purchased some shoes I was super excited about. They had sparkly stud diamantes on them. I thought I was the bomb wearing them. The first night I wore them a couple of the diamantes fell off leaving behind holes in the shoes.

I took them back to Zara and was offered another pair or a refund. “Would you have another pair” I asked? “Yes we do but in a different size” replied the sales assistant. “Would you like those?” he asked. Ah no I wouldn’t. They wouldn’t fit.

This is what we often do in organisations. We offer everyone the same or we set up our systems and processes, policies and procedures to suit a majority group, which often doesn’t work for the minority groups. Not inclusive…right?

So equality is treating everyone the same. Based on the central principles of democracy it’s the belief that all people should have the same opportunities to be successful and have a productive, enjoyable life. When I was growing up my Dad used to say I could be and do whatever I wanted to, as long as I was willing to work hard enough for it. And he was right to an extent because I was given a strong foundation for my future.

Equality is the notion that everyone will be able to achieve based on their efforts and contributions to society instead of their status or position. I often think “the American dream” describes this. But actually equality is not enough in our organisations. Instead we would be talking about equity.

Equity recognises that everyone doesn’t begin in the same place in society. Some people face adverse conditions and circumstances making it more challenging to achieve the same goals as others without these challenges. Equity advocates for those who may have been historically disadvantaged, making it difficult for them to be successful. What is “fair” as it relates to equity isn’t a question of what is the same but rather the point from which a person begins.

I’m really looking forward to speaking on this topic and if you would like to tune in I’m speaking on Wednesday 24th November at 10.50am SGT. Tickets are here.

Learn more

People Driving Equity

This week we learn about the relentless issues of poverty for black people, women’s empowerment through my favourite instagram account, and a cracking podcast episode on western story telling and the issues for women in tech..

Equity in the spotlight

Putting the E in DEI