Exploring the working world of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

As I sat in a room of wonderful people with a strong sense of advocacy for themselves, I recognised the extent of being seen ‘different’ is having on many people.  The concept of equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) is not new but there is a fluidity to these concepts.  There are many subjective views and possible tokenistic approaches being placed in society based upon having a ‘policy’ rather than creating behaviours to have realistic changes for the better.  Having worked in many contexts and engaged with people locally, nationally, internationally and globally, I have realized that ED&I gets different definitions depending on the group I’m working with.  I have engaged with many conversations and readings over the time and to date, it is very concerning that there continues to be a social division in society that is suppressing many people in the way they live and carry on their day-to-day activities.   

Diversity is classed in many forms as demonstrated below under the social grace model (see figure below).  But how one is included and feels the sense of belonging should not be based on being treated differently to stay different but to be supported through the difference to be the same as others.  

The fact is that, ‘there is no single story’ and diversity brings vibrance to the society where regardless of visible or non-visible identities of oneself, individuals should not be conformed to the norm to ‘fit in’.  They should be seen as the ‘norm’ to conform to society and have a sense of belonging.  Language needs to change and as individuals, we need to reclaim those narratives of how minority groups are seen or treated in the majority of the societal context.  The focus needs to change to the strengths of the individual and see them as ‘who they are’ not ‘what they are’ and empowering them to be themselves in their own right.       

With this I continue to investigate and reflect on some questions:

1. Are we trying to fit in a ‘norm’ where difference is identified to change responses enabling to fit into the ‘norm’. But then ‘what is the norm’ and ‘why’?  And why is minority within the majority is seen a difference to which it needs ‘resolving’ whilst the same minority could be the majority in another context where the majority is questioned?