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Understanding Gender Equity

Ashley Rivenbark (Course Advisor), Dnika Travis, PhD (Course Advisor), Julie Nugent (Course Advisor), Dr. Terrence Underwood (Course Advisor), Joanna Duffett (Course Instructor), Risa Pappas, MFA (Course Instructor), Lauren Pasquarella Daley, PhD (Course Instructor), Charlie Owen (Course Instructor), and Anna Sullivan (Course Instructor)

This course provides a starting point for learning about and supporting gender equity in your workplace. You will develop a greater awareness and appreciation of gender equity, why it matters, and how to recognize and address gender inequities in your workplace now and in the future. Be aware that many of the forms of inequity discussed are experienced by people of all genders and can vary based on our ethnicity, race, ability, social class, religion, and other social identities. We encourage you to think about how you can apply the new practices you learn in your professional development and your work.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand what gender equity and gender equality are, the difference between them, and why it matters.
  • Recognize gender inequity in the workplace.
  • Identify actions you can take to advance gender equity in your workplace.

Syllabus

Part 1: Introduction to Gender Equity
Examine gender inequities in the workplace and why gender equity matters. Distinguish between gender equity and gender equality, and reflect on what gender equity means to you.
Read more
Part 2: Gender Bias at Work
Analyze examples that illustrate the pervasiveness of gender bias and inequities at work, explore ways to close the gender pay gap, and address gender inequities in hiring, performance reviews, and career progression.
Part 3: Workplace Policies and Practices that Stymie Progress
Learn how organizational policies and practices can address gender inequities and understand the interplay with norms and behaviors can perpetuate biases and stereotypes that reinforce it.
Part 4: Address Gender Equity in Your Workplace
Take a critical look at the people you tend to sponsor on your own team. Develop strategies to lead more inclusively and build gender equity now and in the future.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines gender bias and inequities at work, shedding light on systemic issues
Explores real-world examples to illustrate gender inequity and its impact
Provides practical strategies for addressing gender inequity in hiring, performance reviews, and career progression
Highlights the impact of organizational policies and practices on gender equity, empowering learners to advocate for change
Encourages learners to reflect on their own behaviors and biases, fostering a deeper understanding of gender equity

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Gender Equity with these activities:
Explore Gender Equity Resources
Seek additional resources and tutorials to learn more about gender equity.
Show steps
  • Use the course syllabus and online resources.
  • Search for and identify relevant articles and videos.
  • Follow thought leaders on social media.
Analyze Workplace Data for Gender Disparities
Practice analyzing workplace data to identify gender disparities.
Show steps
  • Collect and analyze data on hiring, promotions, and salaries.
  • Use statistical methods to identify trends and patterns.
  • Present and interpret your findings.
Review 'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg
Read and discuss Sheryl Sandberg's insights on gender equity in the workplace.
Show steps
  • Read and note key points from the book.
  • Discuss the book with others.
  • Apply concepts from the book to your workplace.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Develop a Gender Equity Plan
Create a plan for implementing gender equity initiatives in your workplace.
Browse courses on Workplace Policies
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on gender equity.
  • Identify areas for improvement in your workplace.
  • Develop a plan to address these areas.
Mentor Women or Underrepresented Groups
Give back and share your knowledge and experiences.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor women or underrepresented groups.
  • Establish a mentoring relationship.
  • Provide guidance and support on gender equity issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Gender Equity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager
The course Understanding Gender Equity can provide a valuable grounding for understanding the concepts of equity and inclusion. This course may be particularly useful for those who wish to specialize in gender equity or those who encounter workplace issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In particular, the course's focus on analyzing gender bias and inequities is directly relevant to the work you would do as a professional DE&I Manager.
Human Resources Manager
Understanding Gender Equity is a valuable resource for HR Managers. The course not only discusses gender inequity but also provides insight into gender bias, workplace policies, and even how to lead inclusively. Such insights can contribute to the skillset needed for success in nearly any HR role but may be especially relevant to those HR Managers who are seeking to specialize in workplace equity and inclusion.
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
The course Understanding Gender Equity can be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to specialize in the field of Diversity and Inclusion. It will help build a foundation for understanding workplace bias and equity and how to address such issues. In particular, the course's focus on workplace policies can help you design and implement effective DE&I strategies.
Employment Lawyer
Understanding Gender Equity can be an especially valuable resource for those who want to specialize in employment law. The course's focus on inequities in hiring, performance reviews, workplace policies, and career progression is particularly relevant to many cases in employment law.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
CSR Managers are often responsible for addressing issues related to equity and inclusion. Understanding Gender Equity is a helpful resource for understanding inequities in the workplace and how to build more inclusive practices. In particular, the course's discussion of how organizational policies and practices can perpetuate stereotypes can help you develop more effective CSR policies.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers are often responsible for addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Understanding Gender Equity provides a solid grounding for understanding gender equity and can be particularly helpful for professionals who are seeking to develop skills in this area. The course's focus on workplace policies can help you build a foundation for developing equitable HR policies.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Understanding Gender Equity is a valuable resource for those wishing to work in the nonprofit sector, particularly in areas related to gender equity or social justice. The course provides a foundation for understanding concepts of gender equity, gender bias, and the role of workplace policies. The course may be especially useful to those who are looking to lead a nonprofit or develop programs that promote gender equity.
Social Worker
Social workers are often called upon to work with individuals and families who face issues related to gender equity. Understanding Gender Equity provides a strong foundation for understanding these issues and can help social workers develop a more inclusive practice. In particular, the course's discussion of gender bias and workplace policies can help you better advocate for your clients.
Educator
Understanding Gender Equity can be a helpful resource for educators at all levels. The course provides a foundation for understanding gender equity and how to create more inclusive learning environments. The course's discussion of gender bias and workplace policies can be particularly relevant for educators who design curricula or work with students who face issues related to gender equity.
Policy Analyst
Understanding Gender Equity can be a valuable resource for those interested in policymaking, particularly in areas related to gender equity or social justice. The course provides a foundation for understanding concepts of gender equity, gender bias, and the role of workplace policies. The course may be especially useful to those who are looking to develop policies that promote a more equitable society.
Community Organizer
Understanding Gender Equity can provide a valuable foundation for community organizers who want to work on issues related to gender equity or social justice. The course not only discusses gender inequity but also provides insight into gender bias, workplace policies, and even how to lead inclusively. Such insights can contribute to the skillset needed for success in a community organizing role.
Researcher
Understanding Gender Equity can lay a foundation for researchers who want to study issues related to gender equity or diversity. The course provides a solid overview of gender inequity, gender bias, and the role of workplace policies. Researchers who want to delve deeper into these topics may find the course particularly useful.
Consultant
Understanding Gender Equity can be a valuable resource for consultants who work on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The course provides a foundation for understanding gender equity and how to create more inclusive workplaces. The course's discussion of gender bias and workplace policies can be particularly relevant for consultants who work with clients on developing diversity and inclusion strategies.
Journalist
Understanding Gender Equity can be a helpful resource for journalists who cover issues related to gender equity or social justice. The course provides a foundation for understanding concepts of gender equity, gender bias, and the role of workplace policies. The course may be especially useful to journalists who want to report on gender inequity in the workplace or develop a deeper understanding of the topic.
Activist
Understanding Gender Equity can provide a strong foundation for activists who work on issues related to gender equity or social justice. The course not only discusses gender inequity but also provides insight into gender bias, workplace policies, and even how to lead inclusively. Such insights can contribute to the skillset needed for success in activism.

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Gender Equity.
Explores the data bias that exists in a world designed for men, and how this bias affects women's lives.
Provides a historical and sociological analysis of gender inequality, exploring the roots of patriarchy and its impact on individuals and society.
Provides an introduction to the concept of intersectionality, which examines the ways in which different forms of social inequality intersect.
Offers practical advice for women on how to succeed in their careers and achieve their goals.
Makes a business case for diversity and inclusion, presenting evidence that diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive.
Challenges traditional notions of masculinity and explores the role that men can play in promoting gender equality.
Foundational text in gender studies, exploring the social construction of gender and its implications for identity and agency.
This classic work of feminist philosophy provides a comprehensive analysis of the oppression of women and its impact on their lives.
Examines the cross-cultural variations in gender roles and experiences, providing a broader perspective on gender inequality.
Challenges the traditional view of gender differences as biologically determined, arguing that they are largely shaped by social and cultural factors.
Seminal work in gender theory, exploring the performative nature of gender and its implications for identity and social change.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of gender and development, covering a wide range of topics from economic empowerment to reproductive health.

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