Substantive Equality

In leadership, equality is often a term discussed with intentions of treating everyone the same. However, true equality (substantive equality) goes far beyond this. Substantive equality acknowledges that different people start from different places in life and may need different supports in order to achieve equitable outcomes.

Substantive equality recognizes systematic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from having the same opportunities as others. Instead of rushing to cosmetically treat everyone equally, this equality focuses on carefully addressing historical, social, and economic disadvantages.

UNICEF's Approach to Substantive Equality

UNICEF's leadership model embodies substantive equality through exclusive decision making, intersectional approaches, and community deven solutions.

Unlike hierarchal corporate structures, UNICEF prioritizes:

Child centered leadership
Equitable resource distribution
Localized leadership development
Community empowerment
Taking a trauma informed approach

Learning to Unlearn

Learning how to unlearn systems that are ingrained within us can be extremily difficult no matter what it may be.

Traditional business narratives often prioritize efficiency and uniformity, preaching values of free thinking and open-mindedness while simultaneously implementing rules that promote the opposite. UNICEF teaches us that effective leadership is equity-driven.

Understanding the difference between adaptive and prescriptive leadership styles is crucial in understanding autonomy within a workplace.

It is essential that leaders follow in the footsteps of what UNICEF is implementing in order to uplift marginalized voices and prioritize community engagement.

The ability to communicate important strategies and concepts in a way that the business community will understand and relate to is a vital way of genuinely making positive change in the leadership we see all around us.

By challenging the idea that leadership must stand for uniformity and control, it redefines what effective leadership can look like from an equity-based perspective.

Why Should the Business Community Care?

Businesses often focus on the bottom line. It is what most business institutions teach students to care about, not about how we get there.

Numbers. Profits. Outputs... These measures of success are not meaningful if they are achieved within systems that harm others in the process.

Leadership practices that are rooted in substantive equality demonstrate that success CAN be measured by impact, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

As modern businesses make cosmetic shifts towards diverse and purpose-driven leadership structures, they should learn from organizations like UNICEF, which go beyond the decorative language and genuinely promote a workplace that, to its core, shares values aligning with substantive equality.

Organizations can begin by recognizing and identifying the systemic barriers currently in place, whether that is:

Written policies
Company culture
Rules and regulations not yet in place

These are elements that leaders must implement in order to prioritize the lived experiences of the people that work for these companies and that reflect the world around us.

Creating equitable opportunities in whatever way you have the power to will benefit both people and the organization itself.

Using Power to Make a Difference

Popular actress Millie Bobby Brown has been an avid UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2018, making her the youngest ever to hold this position.

As of March 10th, 2025, Milly spoke up at the UNTV Power4Girls event to accelerate at scale action to protect and promote the rights, wellbeing, and leadership of adolescent girls.

This is what power looks like when put in the hands of the right people. Millie has influence over those who follow her, and by standing up for movements that impact the real lives of those who need support the most, she shows the world what true allyship looks like.

"I cannot live in a world where girls aren't given the same tools or grace as others. I will not live in a world, where girls aren't treated equally or encouraged to live their lives to the fullest potential -- as teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists."

- Millie Bobby Brown (2025)

People in positions of power and influence have a unique platform that enables them to drive real change. When public figures, business leaders, and policy makers use their voices to advocate for issues that truely matter, such as human rights, equality, and accessibility, they not only raise awareness but also inspire action on a broad scale.

Millie Bobby Brown has leveraged her global platform to advocate for children's rights, education, and gender equity. Her involvement demonstrates how celebrities and influential figures can bring these crucial issues into mainstream conversations, influencing both public perception and policy.

7 Principles of Universal Design

For business leaders to truly commit to substantive equality, they must integrate inclusive principles into their design-making processes.

What Are They?

The 7 Principles of Universal Design is a framework that ensures that environments, products, and policies are accessible to all people, regardless of their abilities, age, or background.

Equitable Use

Ensuring that systems, products, and services are usable by people with diverse abilities. In business, this means creating accessible hiring processes and ensuring workplace accommodations for all employees.

Flexibility in Use

Providing multiple ways for individuals to engage with work, whether through flexible work hours, remote options, or alternative communication methods.

Simple and Intuitive Use

Simplifying processes and ensuring that policies and resources are easy to understand, reducing barriers to participation.

Perceptible Information

Ensuring that important information is available in multiple formats (e.g., visual, auditory, digital) to cater to different needs.

Tolerance for Error

Designing systems that minimize risks and account for human errors, such as fail-safe mechanisms in workplace policies.

Low Physical Effort

Creating environments that accommodate individuals of all abilities, such as ergonomic workspaces or digital accessibility features.

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Ensuring physical and digital spaces are designed inclusively, allowing people with disabilities to navigate them with ease.

Why Business Leaders Must Prioritize These Principles

Leaders who integrate these 7 principles of universal design into their organizations demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and long-term sustainability. Businesses that embrace inclusivity and accessibility benefit from:

A Broader Talent Pool - Attracting and retaining skilled employees from diverse backgrounds.
Enhanced Innovation - Diverse perspectives lead to more creative problem-solving and product development.
Better Brand Reputation - Companies known for inclusivity build stronger customer loyalty and trust.
Legal and Ethical Complience - Proactively addressing accessibility reduces the risk of discrimination and aligns with global standards.