Equity

Equity is a concept based on the principle of human rights and fairness in the distribution of services resources benefits and responsibilities on the basis of people's current opportunities and barriers.

It recognises that people have different needs life experiences levels of influence and access to decision making and that these differences should be identified and addressed in a manner that rectifies imbalances to provide equitable outcomes for all.

Human rights

Human rights recognise the inherent value of each person regardless of background where we live what we look like what we think or what we believe. They are based on principles of dignity equality and mutual respect which are shared across cultures religions and philosophies.

They are about being treated fairly treating others fairly and having the ability to make genuine choices in our daily lives.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document which outlines the common standard of treatment for all peoples and all nations.

Respect for human rights is the cornerstone of strong communities in which everyone can contribute and feel included.

Equality

Equality affirms that all human beings are born free and equal having the same rights and are entitled to the same level of respect treatment or prosperity regardless of gender race religion ethnicity sexuality age ability or religion.

Social justice

Social justice is based on principles of human - rights and fairness. It recognises the systemic causes of disadvantage. It seeks to remove barriers to enable every individual to participate fully and equally in society regardless of gender age race ethnicity religion culture or ability.

Disadvantage

Disadvantage is linked closely to living standards and quality of life. Disadvantage is a complex interplay between the characteristics of residents in a community and the effects of the social economic and environmental context in which they live.

We can think about disadvantage as components of deprivation capability and social exclusion.

• Deprivation: What people miss out on because of where they live or what they can afford
• Capability: What people are effectively able to do and aspire to be
• Social exclusion: When people are unable to participate adequately in economic social and cultural life.

Social inclusion

Social inclusion is a process of improving the way individuals and groups can freely contribute to and benefit from the social economic political and cultural spheres of community life.

Like equity it aspires to create equal opportunity reduce disadvantage and increase participation by removing barriers for certain population groups.

Social inclusion promotes active engagement participation and voice for all community members especially those experiencing disadvantage based on their identity and allows community members to shape their futures and influence decisions which affect them.

Disadvantage within our community

We have identified a number of priority groups that experience greater disadvantage in the Greater Geelong community.

By placing an emphasis on equity justice and inclusion we can address the challenges and barriers these groups face.