7 Examples of equity for a fairer world

Since the declaration of Human Rights in 1948, we have lived in a society that theoretically recognizes the equality of people before the law, without distinction of ethnic origin, gender or condition. However, putting it into practice is not so simple, since social changes are not immediate to declarations and, therefore, historically discriminated people require support policies for now to have access to the same opportunities.

Thus, equity is called the creation of conditions that favor equal opportunities for historically discriminated people (women, ethnic groups, physically or intellectually disabled), so that they can integrate into society equally, with respect and autonomy. Let's see some concrete examples of how this is possible.

Salary equity

Pay equity is the principle of the same salary for the same job. Since women have entered the world of work, they have earned a lower salary than men, despite performing the same functions. Hence the importance of promoting laws and programs that favor gender equality at work.

Quota laws

The labor quota laws are aimed at guaranteeing in a certain proportion the employment of people from different sectors historically discriminated against, in order not only to guarantee their social insertion, but also their representation. For example: in certain States, public entities must include on their payrolls at least 1% of the transgender population. In others, women must hold a percentage of popularly elected positions (this may vary by country).

Access to education for all

It is a principle of social equity to guarantee public education, free and compulsory, and to establish insertion policies for the most disadvantaged sectors, since this depends on obtaining work and personal autonomy. This implies not only favoring the education of the poor sectors, but creating conditions for the education of children and young people with special needs (visual, hearing, motor or intellectual disabilities).

See also:

• Equity: Examples of social justice that will make you smile.

State home loans

The credits of private financial entities are inaccessible to a large part of the world population. In order to guarantee equity in access to housing, some states allocate part of their funds to mortgage plans for the middle and lower classes.

Public space regulations for the mobility of disabled people

The urban layout and citizen regulations must be adapted to the conditions of people with disabilities, so that they can, as much as the others, enjoy public spaces safely and carry out daily activities as normal. Among these adaptations we can count the ramps on the sidewalks, the incorporation of elevators in the train and metro systems, information of public interest in Braille, etc.

Employment plans for people with cognitive commitments

People with cognitive commitments have historically faced great difficulties to develop autonomously, since few believe that they are capable of taking responsibility, much less at work. But this is a myth. Today there are laws so that people with intellectual disabilities can have access to decent work, so that they can help their families and also acquire economic autonomy.

Paternity work leave

It is not enough for women to have maternity leave. Men also have the right to enjoy their newborn children, as well as the responsibility to support the mother. For this reason, in some countries the right to work paternity leave has been implemented, which implies a principle of gender equality.