Inspire Inclusion: Fostering Change from Within

While the conversations around creating an inclusive environment for all, through honouring all types of diversity, ensuring level playing fields etc, the question often on my mind is, “Has the belief and desire to be inclusive transcended tick boxes, checklists, and occasional actions in special circumstances?”

Possibly for some inspired souls it has; however, for many of us, we have just scratched the surface and if we really want to embrace inclusion in the letter & spirit, we need to embark on a profound journey to delve into the very core of our beliefs, values, and actions.

This journey begins in the hearts and minds of people. It calls for courageous conversations that acknowledge the complexities of intersectionality and the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. It also involves creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered so as to bring their authentic selves to the table.

Recently, I was facilitating a session on Inclusion and Unconscious bias, and I was not at all surprised when a room of 20 senior leaders said they have no bias, conscious or unconscious, and that they practice inclusion in every aspect of their lives. Must share this response came in a session which was planned to address grievances of women and Gen Z employees related to exclusion, being left out, ignored, etc.

We are so hard-wired in our beliefs that we convincingly justify our actions, and this justification becomes a gospel truth when many in the majority groups validate these actions as “normal / right/ appropriate” and definitely not an act of exclusion.

While inspiring inclusion begins with the self, it is imperative to recognize that fostering inclusion is not an obligation but a collective endeavour.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, themed this year as “Inspire Inclusion,” let each one of us start our walk on this transformative journey with an intention to grow the tribe, and through collective wisdom, champion the inclusive future.

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By Kuku Singh