The fight for equality has been persistent on all fronts around the world, and it has resulted in the dismantling of several barriers that foster discrimination. Since then, more marginalised groups have had improved access to school, better healthcare, higher earnings, and other opportunities.
However, people are gradually discovering that removing the barriers that stand in the way of opportunity is insufficient! Beyond the obvious barriers are the systemic disparities. This is where equity comes in, to level the playing field and close the opportunity and achievement gap.
A lecturer from my third year in university shared an account – he had asked students to type up an assignment during the pandemic and submit to him on line by the first day of in-person class. At the start of the first in-person lecture three months later, one student turned in a handwritten assignment. The lecturer was confused and questioned her, only to learn that because she lived in a remote area and was from a low income background, she did not have access to the internet. She did not have a smartphone or tablet or laptop or desktop computer. The girl further explained that even getting a stable telephone connection to call her friends to receive assignments was a big challenge and so she had been unable to type up and submit her assignments. She appealed to the lecturer for a second chance.
The professor had presumed that by virtue of being in the university all students had smartphones and/ or other electronic devices, hence his request that the work should be typewritten and submitted online.He had not thought of diversity in socioeconomic status and how that could impact access to technology. We have approached various issues in an equal environment like the professor. We disregard the factors
that may stifle the ability to achieve personal goals on an equal playing field.
Embracing equity means recognizing the disparities that exist in society and taking active steps to address them. It is important to acknowledge that people come from different backgrounds and experiences, and it is essential to create an environment that celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion.
Secondly, it is paramount upon our educational institutions to ensure that everyone has access to resources, opportunities, and services. This includes addressing the systemic barriers that prevent marginalised communities from achieving the same level of success as others. It is also about providing equitable access to healthcare and education to improve the quality of life of everyone in society. Equity focuses on the opportunities presented and infuses them with the support and resources needed to turn the educational system into a level playing field.
Embracing equity is not just about making small changes, it is a long-term process that requires a collective effort to create a society that values and nurtures its members, regardless of their differences.
Finally, we must take a proactive stance against discrimination of any kind, whether it is based on gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Organisations should invest in creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity, and leaders should take into account the voices of underrepresented groups when making decisions. This requires education, open communication, and a continuous effort to create a fair and equitable society for all.
