Equality
Gender equality refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of girls and boys and women and men.[57]
Equity
Equity is fairness of treatment, regardless of gender, according to respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities.[58] Through gender equity, gender equality is possible.[59]
STEM
We take STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – to include the natural, physical and life sciences, mathematics, engineering, ICT and technology related disciplines. However, we recognise that there is no line that clearly divides STEM from non-STEM fields or jobs, and that many different occupations require or make beneficial use of STEM skills. References to STEM do not include or exclude any particular field unless clearly specified.
STEM sector
The STEM sector includes all organisations involved in work, research or education in STEM disciplines, including, but not limited to, universities, vocational education providers, STEM industry and schools.
Women
The term women (including girls for minors) encompasses cisgender (personal gender identity corresponds with sex assigned at birth), transgender, non-binary and intersex persons who identify as women (girls).[60]
Footnotes
- [57] United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, Concepts and Definitions, UN Women, viewed 21 January 2019.
- [58] International Labour Organization, ABC of women workers’ right and gender equality, 2007, ILO, Geneva, viewed 20 February 2019.
- [59] United Nations Population Fund, Frequently asked questions about gender equality, 2005, UNFPA, viewed 20 February 2019.
- [60] Australian Academy of Science, Women in STEM Decadal Plan Discussion Paper, Australian Academy of Science, viewed 14 March 2019.