降等 is read as こうとう (koutou) and means demotion.
こうとう
koutou
おりる
to be passed (from the body; e.g. of a roundworm)
ふる
to form (of frost)
こうすい
rainfall
こうさん
being defeated (e.g. by a problem)
こうか
passing down (of an order, decree, etc.)
こうかく
demotion
こうう
こうせつ
snowfall
ふり
alighting
ふらす
to send (rain)
ふりだす
to begin to rain
ふりしきる
to fall continuously (of rain, snow, etc.)