Capgemini women highlight the difference for equity and equality

Inclusive employer Capgemini understands the difference between equality and equity - and earlier this year addressed this topic in suport of International Women's Day.

Capgemini women have discussed the differentiation between equality and equity. They described the impact that such difference has had on aspects of their lives, and provided advice on how to fully embrace equity.

The difference between equality and equity

"Equality is about treating everyone the same, while equity is about looking at the person's individuality and their context, and based on that taking action, appropriate measures, helping them in a different way," says Capgemini Invent NL Managing Director, Liesbeth Bout, who highlights how opportunities can be impacted when equity isn't applied.

"I remember when I had to go from primary school to secondary school, and my teacher said: "Oh, she has her head in the clouds. She's not intelligent enough. Let's give her the lowest secondary education," recalls Capgemini Business Analyst, Inez van de Ven. "I didn't get the chance, and my talents weren't seen or noticed. When it happened I was 12. I didn't know that it was going to cause difficulties for the rest of my life. But later on, I realized that the choice that was made for me, early on in the process, made sure that I didn't get benefits later on in my journey."

Data & AI for Financial Service Lead, Arti Nokhai, highlighting where equity has been ignored says: "I can give you an example of where, for me, I didn't get the right tool to get to the next step. There was an example of me wanting to do a specific training. The manager back then, not at Capgemini, said: "I don't believe in that training. So I didn't get that training, but other people did. Be a leader in what you want to do, and it doesn't matter what you're doing, but be a leader in it. Believe in what you do. Last but not least, be the best version of yourself, I think that's the most important thing that you can do. Be the best version of yourself and ask for help if you need it."

Choosing to be confident

Capgemini CHRO for The Netherlands, Tineke Meints, has also experienced a lack of equity in her career. "When I was on maternity leave, I came back and a really nice job opportunity was not given to me. Assumptions were made about me and about my career ambitions," she says. "It made me feel left out or not taken seriously, but also gave me a fighting mode to overcome it myself and speak out about my ambitions more. In 2023, a woman should show that she feels confident, that she can be herself, and that she can choose whatever she wants to stand for. Look for a mentor and go on."

Reaching out to others for support

Capgemini Senior Consultant Workforce & Organization, Amal Er-Raqaoui, comes from a bi-cultural background and is the first individual in her family who went to university.

"It was quite challenging in the sense that I don't have, and didn't have, the support and the network that others may have in their families and their circles. So that was a challenge for me. Reach out to others that may help you and pave that way for yourself, but you don't have to do it all alone."

Capgemini Manager for Finance Transformation & Digital Core, Manuela Gouveia, gives her advice. "Don't be afraid to speak and to say how you feel. Reach out to your manager and to your colleagues to ask for help."

Capgemini Invent VP for Banking, Tatiana Romero Cifuentes, would like to see more girls beng more empowered and who are able to go and take the necessary steps to educate themselves, and be ready for the next steps, so they can "bring the balance that society is needing."

Active inclusion at Capgemini

Capgemini seeks to be recognized by its current and future workforce, its clients, and in the market as a truly inclusive organization where everyone feels valued, included and empowered.

Put simply, it’s about attracting and retaining the very best people from a diverse range of characteristics and backgrounds – and making sure that every employee feels able to bring their authentic self to work.

To create a truly inclusive environment takes action – which is why Capgemini inspires its people not only to think inclusively, but to consistently engage and act in an inclusive way.