Gender also shapes the difference in social value assigned to men and to women and the balance of power between them. Gender relations, rather than existing in isolation, are linked to other systems of social relations. Gender equality means that women and men enjoy the same status and have equal opportunities to realize their full human rights and their potential to contribute to political, economic, social, and cultural development and benefit from the results. Gender equality is therefore the impartial valuing by society of both the similarities and the differences between women and men and the varying roles that they play. This means that, if gender equality is to be achieved, a series of gender equity measures must be taken to offset the historical and social disadvantages that prevent women's equal enjoyment of the benefits of development and equal participation in public and private decision-making and in power structures.
Gender equity is, thus, a path that leads to gender equality.
The Inter-American Program on the Promotion of Women's Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality is intended to further this process. To systematically integrate a gender perspective in all organs, organizations, and entities of the inter-American system. To encourage OAS member states to formulate public policies, strategies, and proposals aimed at promoting women's human rights and gender equality in all spheres of public and private life, considering their diversity and their life cycles. To make international cooperation and horizontal cooperation among the member states one of the instruments for implementing this program. To strengthen relations and foster joint cooperation and coordination activities with other regional and international bodies and civil society organizations active in the Americas, with a view to guaranteeing policy effectiveness and optimal use of resources.