It is important to recognise that the fight for gender equality is not limited to a date in the calendar, but is a constant commitment that we must make in our daily lives. That is why, beyond celebrations and specific events, it is vital to internalise and put into practice the principles of equality and justice in all facets of our lives.
In this sense, the three points I wish to share are not only relevant to women’s empowerment, but also contribute to building a more inclusive and respectful environment for all. Each of these points invites us to reflect on our actions and attitudes, and challenges us to be active agents of change towards a more just and humane society.
It is important to remember that every gesture, every word and every decision we make can have a significant impact on promoting gender equality and creating a world where all people are valued and respected equally. It is therefore our individual and collective duty and responsibility to work together to realise this ideal of equality and justice for all.
Dismantling inequality: We are all agents of change
It is undeniable that we have made significant progress in achieving equality in such crucial areas as politics, education, health and employment for both men and women. These advances represent important milestones in our society, but it is also undeniable that we still face many challenges and that the road to full equality is long and complex.
It is essential to understand that equality is not a final destination, but an ongoing process that requires constant commitment from everyone. It is vital to recognise that every individual, regardless of gender, has a fundamental role to play in promoting equality in all aspects of life.
All of us, men and women, must unite in this struggle to eradicate all forms of inequality and discrimination. It is important to understand that equality does not only benefit a few, but is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed for all members of society.
In this sense, it is crucial to recognise and value the diversity of experiences, perspectives and skills that each individual brings to society. Inclusion and respect for diversity are fundamental pillars for building a more just and equitable society.
Each of us has the power and responsibility to influence our spheres of influence: at home, in our personal relationships and in the work environment. Our individual actions, however small they may seem, can have a significant impact on promoting equality and respect for human rights.
It is therefore essential to work collaboratively and in solidarity to promote equality in all its forms. It is not just a matter of waiting for change from others, but of taking responsibility and actively engaging in building a fairer and more equitable world for all.
Towards a just society: Exploring the concepts of equality and equity
When we speak of equality, we refer to a fundamental principle that seeks to ensure that all people are treated fairly and without discrimination, regardless of their origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or other characteristics. However, this quest for equality confronts us with an interesting paradox: in our quest for “equal” treatment, we may overlook the inequalities that exist between different human groups, such as the prevalence of male superiority over female superiority or the barriers faced by people with disabilities.
The notion of equity emerges as a response to this paradox. Equity implies a more complex and fairer approach, which recognises differences and inequalities between people and seeks to address them appropriately. It is about ensuring a fair distribution of resources and opportunities, taking into account the individual needs and capabilities of each person. In other words, it is about providing each individual with what they really need and what they are capable of receiving, rather than treating everyone in the same way without taking into account their particular circumstances.
That is, equality seeks to treat all people equally, while equity seeks to ensure that all people have access to what they need to reach their full potential, even if this involves differential treatment.
Building bridges of connection: The power of accepting and valuing our diversity
In our reflections on the importance of diversity in our society, we forget something essential: the diversity within each of us. Recently, I was thinking about how I can really contribute to enhancing that diversity in our environment, and I came to a conclusion that I would like to share with you.
You know what? I think my greatest contribution is not so much in trying to promote diversity outside myself, but in accepting and celebrating my own internal diversity. Sound weird? Let me explain further…
By understanding and accepting all parts of my personality, identity and life experiences, I find that I become more able to truly connect with people. Each of my quirks becomes a bridge that brings us together, rather than separates us. Those differences of ours become opportunities to learn and grow together.
So instead of seeing our differences as obstacles, I see them as opportunities to better understand and learn from each other. By accepting and celebrating my diversity, I become more open and receptive to all that others can contribute. So, together, we can create an environment where diversity is not only accepted, but celebrated as something that enriches us all.
In short, the more I work on the diversity of my personality and identity, the more and better I amplify my interactions with all kinds of people, turning our differences (cultural, racial, social, political, gender, etc.) into huge points of connection, understanding, respect and comprehension.
