Noun

The state in which differences in life outcomes are not predicted by one’s race, sex and gender, and other dimensions of identity, with specific emphasis on populations bearing the burden of inequities (e.g., people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals). Valuing equity means engaging those most impacted by structural inequity in the creation and implementation of institutional policies, practices, and messages that eliminate unfair differences in outcomes, so everyone has the means and opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. Equity is both a process and an outcome. 

Equity does not mean equality. Although both aim to achieve fairness, an equality approach treats everyone the same regardless of need, while an equity approach treats people differently and appropriately dependent on need.

Source

Adapted from Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center