Equity, Economic, Enterprise, Environment, Education, were the 5 core elements I introduced this biennium and it was my wish that members consider ensuring that one of these core elements are being met when implementing projects for this biennium. Each of these core elements can be addressed during the month of March when clubs and members focus on the Consultative Status of Women (CSW67), 6-17^th March and International Women’s Day, March 8. Many countries designate a whole week or month to Women’s Week/Month, it is a time when we celebrate our diversity, when we amplify our voices, we challenge and raise awareness.  Have you pondered Gender Equality vs Gender Equity? I recently came across this great reference by Goodwall.io. 
 
Equality 
One thing that women’s groups are constantly emphasizing is that gender equality ISN’T a women’s issue alone. It’s an issue that affects the entire human race, including men. Both parts of the whole, men and women, need to be engaged when it comes to working upon gender equality issues. 
 
It’s a human rights issue, and not just a women’s rights issue. And if men do not come together with women to work upon these inequalities, no transformational and lasting change will ever take place.
 
Equity
Gender Equity is ‘the fairness of treatment of both women and men depending on their specific needs.’ This could mean equal treatment or treatment that is different but is considered equivalent based on rights, obligations, opportunities, and benefits.
 
The thing to remember again is that men and women are different. There’s no doubt about that. BUT that doesn’t mean that men and women deserve different opportunities.
 
The way to look at the difference between gender equality vs gender equity is that equality is the END goal, whereas equity is the way to get there.
 
Please visit their website for the full article Gender Equality vs Gender Equity vs Women’s Empowerment can be found HERE.
 
In no country are women equal. In fact, the World Economic Forum predicts it will take 170 years to reach gender equality globally.  Don’t waste an opportunity, use International Women’s Day (or week) and the 2 weeks of CSW67 to amplify your voices and actions.  To achieve gender equity we need to change the narrative and fix systems (not women),  it is the systems which do not treat us as equal.  
 
The Turkey/Syria earthquake humanitarian suffering has shocked us to our core.   Whole communities, families crushed under infrastructure which couldn’t withstand the 5.4 earthquake.  Countries are rushing to assist both countries, and we give thanks when we hear of people being pulled out alive after many days.  Soroptimist International has clubs in Turkey, and many of our Soroptimist sisters are suffering.   I urge you to consider donating to one of the International aide groups currently working in the devastated area, or donate to the SISEAP Turkey & Syria Earthquake appeal, donations will be sent to the SI European Disaster fund for distribution. (link to our Donation page).
CSW67 SISEAP delegates who will be attending CSW67 in person consists of myself, Dr Donnell Davis (Programme Convenor), Judy Toll (SI Perth) and Sineat Som (SI Phnom Penh) and will be joined by Leigh Ellwood Brown (SI Brisbane), SI Director of Advocacy.  Be sure to keep abreast of CSW67 through our blogs from the delegates on both the website and social media.
 
You too can participate in CSW67, register to attend virtual events via the NGOCSW website HERE. 
 
Read more about the parallel event hosted by SISEAP, and virtual parallel events hosted by SI HERE.
 
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing many social media posts where you don the “Embrace Equity” pose and amplify your voice and actions for Equality.

Christine Johnstone
President 2022 - 2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org