About 170 years after the beginning of the women’s movement in 1848, gender equity has gradually gained momentum, with each generation inspiring women to assert their rightful place as equal to men. Generations see women’s roles through the lens of their times. Still, the push for progress continues, even as the paths forward evolve.
First, it’s important to highlight the differences between equity and equality, because they are not the same. By setting them apart, their definitions reveal how we shape different approaches to fairness and help us uncover the nuances of creating balanced opportunities for everyone.
As defined by Merriam-Webster, equity is fairness or justice in the way people are treated. Equality is the quality of being of the same measure as another.
Twenty-year-old UF applied physiology and kinesiology sophomore Amanda Porter defines gender equity as “treating both men and women fairly and equally, recognizing that some may need different needs and addressing different circumstances that may arise.”
She said her upbringing in Miami largely shaped her views on gender, teaching her that women were often expected to know how to cook and failing to meet these societal expectations could result in being seen as less than.
Even so, she said her mom always uplifted her, teaching her lessons about how a man’s remarks about women often reveal his insecurities about his masculinity. This perspective was shaped by growing up in an era of rapid social change and digital connectivity, reflecting the shifting attitudes of a younger generation, Generation Z.
Despite her progressive mindset, she said she is concerned about the lack of female representation in leadership positions, highlighting that true equality remains an uphill battle in many spaces.
“I believe a major problem is the lack of female representation in leadership in which it limits their ability to influence decisions,” she said.
Her perspective highlights the barriers women face in achieving leadership roles and the impact this has on driving progress. However, perspectives from people in the Baby Boomer generation, like Mary Campbell, a 71-year-old retired teacher and reading specialist, offer contrasting views on where equity stands today.
She said progress has been made in how generations of women understand gender equity.
“I think there is a difference now, and I think we’re doing a really good job of telling our daughters ‘Yes you can, you are prepared and able,’” she said.
When describing her career path, she said being a teacher was her third or fourth option. She always wanted to be a chef, not an educator, but she was described as too small and too young.
“I wanted to be a chef at a young age, but in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, this wasn’t allowed,” she said. “I was a girl. It wasn’t acceptable.”
She said that at the time, being a teacher was a great career for a mom. But being a cook would’ve been better.
She describes how her parents always treated her and her five siblings equally, regardless of their gender.
“For someone born in the ‘50s, there was no difference between my brothers and sisters,” she said. “At the time, it was kind of strange to be raised that way. My mom was very progressive, as well as my dad.”
Looking back at the progress women have made, she said that today we are in a much better place than before. In the 1950s, women were largely confined to traditional roles as homemakers, with limited access to higher education and professional careers.
Today’s fight for equality focuses on issues like the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership and workplace discrimination. Efforts such as International Women’s Day protests and United Nation initiatives continue to address these challenges and promote progress.
“Every woman I know around my age has encountered many roadblocks,” she said. “Women have opened a lot of doors and windows for our girls.”
Her perspective emphasizes the progress she has witnessed, while Porter focuses on the challenges that remain. The progress achieved is a testament to resilience, while the challenges that remain call for continued efforts and unity across generations.
Her advice to young generations of women was clear.
“There’s room at the top,” she said. “Stand up for yourself and stand up for the girl behind you.”
Isis Snow is a UF journalism and sports media junior.
