Anyone that knows me will know how deeply I feel about equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
During the last few weeks I’ve come across a number of articles, press releases and publications highlighting the EDI gap at Leadership/Board/Management level.
Here’s just one:
Some people are nervous to even raise the matter openly, well I’m not! Let’s not skirt around the topic…without a doubt there is a problem, I am not denying that. The problem is somewhat complex. The manifestation has occurred through history, deeply engraved and woven into society. This is societal issue, a systemic problem, littered with concepts such as unconscious bias, boy’s clubs etc.
Unfortunately some discussions regarding the matter online have turned confrontational into ‘us and them’…women vs men, old vs young, ‘white’/ Carcacasian vs Ethnic Minorities…the list goes on. This narrative very much worries me.
The issue at hand is and should be viewed as a shared matter, which we can and should improve together. Just going around pointing fingers and placing blame will not make improvements. Let’s not forget there are men out there also supporting and wishing for change too. Some may come from a level of privilege but on basic level they also have mothers, sisters, wives, partners, daughters and/or friends that do not share the same level of privilege and would like to see change for them and appreciate what EDI can bring.
On a personal note, some of the most supportive people in respect of my career and development have been men, many have been ‘white’/Carcacasian men, especially middle aged and old ‘white’/Carcacasian men. They have supported me, encouraged me, held the door open for me into rooms, to tables where important decisions have been made. I am truly thankful for their support.
Decision making tables of the future should be inclusive. A place where society is represented, where voices from all corners of society are heard.
This journey to such future inclusive tables will include uncomfortable conversations, there will be some teething as we get to know each other, it is part of the evolutionary process. For those of you that reach these tables remember you have been entrusted by many to be representative, please speak up. Please be your authentic self, speak from your heart as well as your mind. If you are on the other side of the table, please be kind and listen…it has taken alot of courage and perseverance to even arrive.
