Equity vs. Equality: Which One Actually Moves Feminism Forward?

If feminism were a reality show, equality would be the polite contestant playing by the rules, and equity would be the strategist actually figuring out how to win.

For years, we’ve been fed the idea that equality is the goal. That feminism is about getting a “fair shot” and making sure everyone is treated the same. Sounds nice, right? Like a perfectly iced cupcake.

But here’s the problem: Not everyone starts from the same place.

And when we pretend they do, we ignore the very real barriers that keep women—especially Black and Brown women, mothers, disabled women, and LGBTQ+ folks—from actually getting ahead.

So, let’s break it down.

Equality: The Same Shoes for Everyone

Equality is the idea that everyone should get the same opportunities, rights, and resources. It’s the “one-size-fits-all” approach.

• In practice, it looks like: “Women should be paid the same as men for the same work.” Which—duh, we love that.
• The issue? If we stop there, we ignore why women weren’t being paid the same in the first place.

Imagine this: You're giving every person the same pair of size 8 stilettos and saying, “Look! Everyone has shoes now!”

But what if someone wears a size 10? What if someone needs orthopedic support? What if someone doesn’t have feet? (Okay, that escalated quickly, but you get the point.)

The same treatment isn’t helpful when people have different needs and challenges.

Equity: The Right Shoes for the Right Feet

Equity says: “Let’s acknowledge that not everyone is starting from the same place and make adjustments so that everyone has a real chance to succeed.”

• In practice, it looks like: “Let’s make sure women not only get equal pay but also have access to high-paying jobs, paid maternity leave, leadership positions, and the support they need to succeed.”
• It’s about fixing the barriers, not just offering the same tools and hoping for the best.

Back to our shoe analogy: Instead of handing out the same stilettos to everyone, we find out what people actually need. Some need flats, some need sneakers, some need custom orthotics. The goal isn’t giving everyone the same thing—it’s giving them what they need to keep up.

So, Which One is More Important?

Feminism isn’t just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about redesigning the damn table so everyone actually fits.

• Equality is the goal. We want equal rights, equal pay, equal treatment.
• Equity is how we get there. It’s about acknowledging systemic barriers and actively working to remove them.

Because when we focus only on equality, we risk ignoring the deeper issues that keep women marginalized in the first place. But when we focus on equity, we address those challenges head-on.

So, next time someone says, “Shouldn’t we just treat everyone the same?” Hit them with:
📢 “Equality is the dream. Equity is the strategy.”

Final Thought: Equity is Feminist AF

If we want a feminist world where all women truly thrive, we have to stop assuming that the same opportunities = the same success.

We don’t just need a seat at the table. We need a custom-built throne that actually supports us.

And that, bestie, is the difference between equality and equity.

xoxo,

Amanda Dare