Sex refers to a set of biological attributes in humans and animals. It is primarily associated with physical and physiological features including chromosomes,
gene expression, hormone levels and function, and reproductive/sexual anatomy. Sex is usually categorized as
female or male but there is variation in the biological attributes that comprise sex and how those attributes are expressed.
Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and
gender diverse people. It influences how people perceive themselves and each other, how they act and interact, and the distribution of power and resources in society. Gender identity is not confined to a binary (girl/
woman, boy/man) nor is it static; it exists along a continuum and can change over time. There is considerable diversity in how individuals and groups understand, experience and express
gender through the roles they take on, the expectations placed on them, relations with others and the complex ways that
gender is institutionalized in society.
