Gender Equality, Gender Equity and Women Empowerment

Gender issues are not a new topic in the world. It continues to be a major concern globally and Nepal, with its unique culture and society, offers a valuable example for studying these issues. However, the terms gender equality, gender equity, and women’s empowerment are often used interchangeably, despite the fact that they differ in their meaning and impact on individuals and society as a whole. Understanding the difference between these topics is crucial as they help us to better solve the problems relating to it. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know to be able to differentiate between these topics. We will provide a detailed definition, talk about how these issues manifest themselves in Nepalese society, and examine the challenges in Nepal in these areas. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped to tackle these problems yourself! 

What is Gender Equality? 

Gender equality refers to the state where all individuals, regardless of their gender, enjoy the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. This means that men and women, and people of all other genders are provided with equal opportunities in every social, political, and economic space. Gender equality does not consider the existing disparities between genders but focuses on creating a level playing field where everyone has the same rights and opportunities, irrespective of gender. One misconception about gender equality is that it is about treating everyone the same which is, in fact, false, as it is about providing the same access and opportunities to all regardless of their gender. In other words, it means removing structural and cultural constraints that are responsible for holding an individual back because of their gender. 

Gender Equality in Nepal

Within the Nepalese regions, the concept of gender equality stands challenged, considering the sociocultural and economic factors. As societies are male-dominated, women often face significant discrimination. Most girls cannot access education in rural communities because many families prioritize boys’ education. Gender inequality is evident in workplaces as women are paid significantly less and are placed in low-ranking leadership positions. Deep-rooted social norms and values also restrict women from their free will and often confine them to the four walls of the kitchen. Cases of violence such as domestic violence and even trafficking of women are common in societies, and the ugly aspect is that most women are not able to defend themselves legally. In the political arena, the level of women representatives is still low, regardless of supportive legislation. 

However, many efforts have been made to settle the issue of gender inequality. The Constitution of Nepal (2015) was a milestone in the country with regard to gender equality. It gave men and women the same legal rights including inheritance of properties and engaging in public activities. One of the most remarkable impacts in the journey of gender equality in the country has been the rise in women’s political involvement. Based on the local elections of 2017, over 40% of the elected representatives at the local level were women, thanks to the existence of a legal framework that safeguards equal rights and opportunities in the political space.

What is Gender Equity? 

Gender equity is the fair treatment of people based on their gender and according to their different needs and challenges. It acknowledges that not everyone faces the same circumstances and that many have been historically disadvantaged for a variety of reasons, not all of them related to gender. Even among the traditionally underserved groups, many women and men of all colors, shapes, and sizes experience or have experienced different levels of unfairness. So gender equity recognizes that. In some cases, people need to be treated differently to achieve fairness in access to opportunity, resources, and a chance to succeed. That is what makes gender equity different from gender equality.

Gender equality is like treating everyone the same way whereas, gender equity is treating only the backward fallen people with fairness by acknowledging that those people don’t start from the same place due to gender-based disparities. A frequently used analogy for illustrating the difference between equality and equity comes from the scenario of providing chairs for a group of people of different heights to help them see over a fence. Gender equality would mean giving everyone the same-sized chair regardless of height but gender equity would mean giving the chair to a shorter person to help them see better. 

Gender Equity in Nepal

Gender equity in Nepal is seen as a major challenge and has yet to be achieved especially through ensuring fair measures in accessing health services. In rural areas, deep-rooted cultural beliefs and patriarchal concerns prioritize men’s health over women’s. When people do not have the financial resources to afford some treatment, male members are favored, and women’s health issues are ignored. Chaupadi pratha is a good example of gender inequity. Women, during their menstrual cycle, are not allowed to enter their homes, cook or practice their religion. Not only does this practice marginalize women on a societal level, but it places their lives in jeopardy as well. Overcoming such issues takes more than new laws. 

The Nepalese government is still working hard to address the problem of gender equity. The Government of Nepal’s affirmative action programs ensure that women, particularly from marginalized groups, receive the support they need to access education and employment. To encourage higher education, various scholarships are offered to girls in rural areas. A truly important illustration of gender equity is the impactful 33% female quota system implemented in local elections, along with provincial and national elections.

What is Women Empowerment? 

Women empowerment is increasing women’s ability, autonomy, and control over many aspects of their lives. Guaranteeing women’s ability to fully make their own choices, along with contributing meaningfully to society, truly defines empowerment. It is far more than simply providing equal rights or support. Self-confidence, self-reliance, and decision-making skills are important factors of women empowerment. Women gain control over their resources and choices, including economic independence, social status, as well as political representation, thus achieving empowerment. Women can freely design their lives to fulfill their desires as well as needs, free from outside constraints or gender bias. 

Women Empowerment in Nepal

Women empowerment has seen a significant growth in Nepal. Female entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful forms of women’s empowerment. Many organizations these days empower women to free themselves from traditional molds and become financially independent by providing financial education and training in business practices.

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 This independence can give rise to higher self-esteem and personal autonomy, allowing women to make choices about their households, get involved in their communities, and push back against societal expectations. Decisions are being made in the home and women are able to take the lead in their communities. Ultimately, these empower women and give them strength to break the gender thread burning in society.

How Do Gender Equality, Gender Inequality, and Women Empower Interrelate? 

Gender equality, equity, and women’s empowerment have a symbiotic relationship and together they can help create a more equitable and inclusive society. Each of these concepts plays a key role in addressing gender inequalities, and they often work together to drive lasting change.

1) Gender Equality is the basis of justice and fairness in the society. It declares everyone should have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. This is a principle that is vital if there is to be a society where nobody is disadvantaged due to their gender.

2) Gender Equity focuses on the practical implementation of fairness by addressing historical and systemic gender disparities. Ensuring that women and marginalized genders receive the support and resources needed to achieve equal outcomes falls under gender equity policies.  Equity is necessary to overcome the challenges that gender inequality has created over generations.

3) Women’s Empowerment is the ultimate target. When women are empowered, they become active shapers of their own development, able to challenge discriminatory systems and drive societal change. Women’s empowerment is not just about rights and equity; it’s making choices, making contributions, and taking charge of their own lives.

Comparative Table: 

Conclusion

In conclusion, gender equality, gender equity, and women empowerment are separate yet interconnected concepts. Gender equality is more about giving equal rights to all genders, meaning everyone regardless of gender should have equal opportunities and be treated the same. However, this approach doesn’t always account for the different starting points and the challenges individuals face based on their gender. That’s where gender equity comes in. It emphasizes fair treatment by addressing these disparities and providing targeted support to those who need it most. Lastly, women empowerment means letting women take their own personal decisions and take charge of their lives. Gender equality is the aspiration, gender equity is the implementation, and women empowerment is what transforms it into reality. They all contribute to building a more equitable and balanced society.

Learn more about women’s empowerment and how organizations like Volunteers Initiative Nepal are supporting this cause.