gender equality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Political, Corporate
Quick answer
What does “gender equality” mean?
The state in which access to rights, opportunities, resources, and responsibilities is not determined by a person's sex or gender.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state in which access to rights, opportunities, resources, and responsibilities is not determined by a person's sex or gender.
A social condition and political goal advocating for equal treatment, respect, and valuation of all genders, addressing historical and structural discrimination. It encompasses legal rights, economic participation, educational access, and cultural representation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. UK documents may more frequently use 'sex equality' in formal legal contexts (e.g., Equality Act 2010).
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In US discourse, it is more tightly linked to specific legislative battles (e.g., Equal Rights Amendment). In UK/EU contexts, it is often discussed alongside broader 'equality and diversity' initiatives.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with a sharp increase in public discourse since the 2010s.
Grammar
How to Use “gender equality” in a Sentence
Gender equality in [noun phrase: the workplace, education]Gender equality between [noun phrase: men and women, all genders]Gender equality for [noun phrase: women, marginalised groups]Gender equality through [noun phrase: policy, education]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gender equality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government is legislating to gender-equalise boardrooms.
- We must strive to gender-equalise parental leave.
American English
- The organization works to gender-equalize STEM fields.
- Their policy aims to gender-equalize recruitment.
adverb
British English
- The team was recruited gender-equally.
- Benefits are distributed gender-equally.
American English
- The program is designed to treat applicants gender-equally.
- Resources were allocated gender-equally.
adjective
British English
- The gender-equal pay audit revealed disparities.
- They are a gender-equal employer.
American English
- The city adopted a gender-equal hiring policy.
- They promote a gender-equal division of labour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to policies on pay equity, representation in leadership, and inclusive hiring practices. Example: 'The company's ESG report highlights its progress on gender equality.'
Academic
A key concept in sociology, political science, and gender studies. Analyzed through theoretical frameworks and empirical data. Example: 'The study measures the correlation between gender equality and economic development.'
Everyday
Used in discussions about fair treatment at work, at home, and in society. Example: 'We need better gender equality in how household chores are divided.'
Technical
In development and policy, linked to specific indices (e.g., UN Gender Inequality Index, WEF Global Gender Gap Index) and monitoring frameworks (e.g., SDG 5).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gender equality”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gender equality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gender equality”
- Using 'gender equality' to mean 'biological sameness'.
- Confusing it with 'gender equity' (fairness of outcomes, which may require different treatment).
- Misspelling as 'gender equalitiy' or 'gender equalty'.
- Using a singular verb (is) is correct, as it is a compound noun treated as singular.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While advancing women's rights is a central part of achieving gender equality, the concept is broader. It involves relationships between all genders and seeks to dismantle harmful norms for everyone, including men and non-binary individuals.
Most theorists argue no, if those roles are enforced, limiting choice and valuing one gender's work over another. Equality of opportunity requires the ability to choose roles freely without discrimination.
Equality means giving everyone the same thing. Equity means giving people what they need to reach an equal outcome. For example, equality is giving all employees the same parental leave policy. Equity might offer additional support to the primary caregiver, who is often a woman, to offset historical disadvantages.
Through indices like the Global Gender Gap Index (WEF) which tracks gaps in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment. Other measures include gender pay gap statistics, representation ratios in parliament and leadership, and time-use surveys on unpaid care work.
The state in which access to rights, opportunities, resources, and responsibilities is not determined by a person's sex or gender.
Gender equality is usually formal, academic, political, corporate in register.
Gender equality: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒendər ɪˈkwɒləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒendər ɪˈkwɑːləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Level the playing field (related concept)”
- “Break the glass ceiling (specific outcome of gender equality)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a set of old-fashioned scales (the symbol of justice). On one side, place the word 'WOMEN', on the other 'MEN'. The scales are perfectly balanced – this is GENDER EQUALITY.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER EQUALITY IS BALANCE / A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most closely related but distinct, focusing on fair treatment based on differing needs?