The concept of gender equity refers to fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different, but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. (International Labour Office 2000).

While these words are often used interchangeably, they are very inherently different concepts. Equality means that each person is given the same resources and opportunities regardless of their current circumstance. It assumes that everybody is operating at the same starting point and will face the same circumstance and challenges. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and requires different levels of support. Therefore, they need to be allocated the resources and opportunities they need to reach an equal outcome.

Gender equity is the process of being fair to women and men. It means respecting all people without discrimination. Gender equity recognizes that women do not start from the same position as men. To ensure fairness, strategies and measures must often be available to compensate for women’s historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from otherwise operating on a level playing field.

Although the Army was founded on the principle that equity between genders was broadly understood as a value and opportunity to serve God and his people, our practices today do not always align to this. Those equitable intentions are not always reflected in women’s lived experience of officership. This gender work is an opportunity to reconnect to that founding vision, both theologically and practically. The ongoing work addresses the experience of both women and men officers who have been constrained in their ability to give fully of their gifts in service to God by a structure that created defaults and expectations based on gender and marital status.

Yes. There are many biblical supports for gender equity. Here are a few. From the beginning, God created male and female in his image (Genesis 1:27) and then designed their work, ruling over and caring for creation, to be equitable (Genesis 2:27-28). Within marriage, in the New Testament, both spouses are instructed to mutually submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21). In spiritual ministry, Jesus overrules cultural norms and converses with men and women, including a public theological conversation with a woman who is also a foreigner (John 4). She is the first to identify Jesus as the Messiah and becomes the first evangelist. Jesus strongly supports a woman’s choice to be a disciple (Luke 10:42) and commissions a woman as the first apostle by commanding her to "go and tell" (John 20:17). For a greater expository look of more biblical texts, read “How God Sees Women” by Terran Williams or check out our resource page on this website.

The goal of gender equity is to establish a fair and inclusive environment where both women and men have a lived experience of being respected for and given equal opportunity to use their individual God-given talents, skills, and unique giftedness. The work aims to understand lessons from historical injustices and works toward providing extra support for women, as needed, based on their distinct lived experiences, including the elimination of barriers imposed by stereotypes and prejudices.

To experience gender equity on a regular basis is to see equity-based decision-making, creativity, innovation, recruitment, and retention, contributing to organizational engagement, productivity, and morale. The broader objective is not only to empower women but to benefit the organization by leveraging diverse perspectives and promoting a just and equitable culture.

Gender equity contributes to making The Salvation Army a better place by promoting fairness and inclusivity. When gender equity is demonstrated, all individuals have equal opportunity and feel more empowered to flourish. This inclusive culture fosters a sense of greater belonging, respect, and value for everyone, enhancing engagement and connection within the organization and the community. In recognizing and addressing historical biases and prejudices, gender equity works towards a more ethical and just ministry experience.