2023 International Women’s Day

On March 8, the University of Victoria is joining individuals, educational institutions and organizations all over the world to #EmbraceEquity as part of International Women’s Day (IWD).

The IWD 2023 theme and hashtag makes the point that equity “a focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA.”

It also addresses a common point of confusion by defining the difference between equality and equity: “Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.”

According to UVic President and Vice-Chancellor Kevin Hall, the university has a role to play in bridging that distinction. “While we value every individual community member,” he says, “we know that equity solutions need to centre the lived experiences of the impacted individuals or group.”

Hall also says equity must be part of everything the institution does.

“Embracing equity for UVic starts with being honest about the challenges we have and the work we need to do,” Hall says. “To embrace equity, we put aside our assumptions and engage our community and listen, learn and act in ways that centre the experiences of underrepresented and marginalized individuals and groups.”

“Our new UVic Equity Action Plan was developed through open consultations with everyone, with an added effort to consult marginalized communities and set out actions that move us toward an equity-centred culture,” Hall adds. “It calls out patriarchal norms and challenges dominant systems of power so we can work toward conditions where everyone is able to feel like they belong and have what they need to thrive."

“Knowledge, understanding and action from all levels, every unit, each person will bridge us to a culture of equity at UVic.”

At UVic, more than 55 per cent of our students, faculty and staff identify as women. Across campus, our community is using its collective voice to break down bias to take action for gender equity, aligning UVic’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Advancing equity action

UVic Chancellor Marion Buller says: “Embracing equity means acknowledging that sometimes equality isn’t enough. Equal treatment doesn’t always lead to fair outcomes. Each person’s starting point and available resources can significantly impact the outcome of any given situation.

“Meeting individual needs makes us a stronger collective, and that’s really what equity is all about,” she says. “Equality ensures everyone can participate. Equity is giving each person the tools and support they need to have the same chance of succeeding."

“For UVic,” Buller says, “this means having the courage to confront barriers where they exist and taking on the challenge of actively dismantling  them. We must foster the attitudes and behaviours required to ensure an inclusive, diverse and affirming educational space.”

To find out more about IWD events happening at UVic, please read more on Twitter and other UVic platforms.