This is equality and gender equality for us
Listening What does equality and gender equality mean? Here you can read about Gift and Ronald from Uganda describing what equality and gender equality mean to them. You will also learn the difference between the two concepts.
Everyone should be treated equally
Gift is 13 years old and lives in Uganda. She lives with her grandmother, siblings and cousins. At school she attends the hairdressing program.
Gift, what does equality mean to you?
- For me, equality means that all people in the world are treated equally! If there are many people in a family, everyone should help with household chores.
Gift also believes that all children in a family should be treated equally and receive the same.
- It doesn't matter if you're a girl or a boy," she says.
Gift is 13 years old and lives in Uganda.
Gift is 13 years old and lives in Uganda.
Respecting each other is important
To make society more equal, Gift believes that there should not be rich and poor families. Rich people should not look down on families who have less money or fewer things. Gift thinks that respecting each other is one of the most important things. Gift tells us:
- If you respect others, they will respect you back. Then you can help each other with different things. But everything starts with respect," says Gift.
Ronald is 12 years old and lives in Uganda.
Ronald is 12 years old and lives in Uganda.
If one child can go to school, everyone should
Ronald is 12 years old and lives in Uganda. He likes playing football and going to the movies with his friends. One of the most important things for Ronald is not to be alone, to have friends and to play with other children.
For Ronald, equality is when, for example, all siblings in a family have the same opportunities to go to school. If one child can go to school, he thinks everyone should be able to do so.
Girls and boys should have the same opportunities
- I think parents should listen to children and to what we think so that both girls and boys in a family have the same opportunities," says Ronald.
Ronald also thinks it's important for everyone to have time to play and rest. In the future, Ronald dreams of training as a car mechanic. Or he wants to work in the military, he says.
The difference between equality and gender equality
Equality of opportunity
Equality means that everyone has equal rights. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, whether you're a girl, a boy, or identify as something else. It doesn't matter what language you speak, what god you believe in, whether you have a disability or whether you are rich or poor.
Gender equality
Gender equality means equality between girls and boys and between women and men. It is stated in SDG 5, which is about equal conditions, rights and opportunities regardless of gender. For example, women should have the same opportunities as men to feel safe, get a job and have influence. Equality between women and men is important for peace and sustainable development.
This text was originally published on April 1, 2021.
Published: 26 November 2024
