My Journey with International Women’s Day
While International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time for celebration and reflection, I confess that my relationship with it is complex. I love celebrating our achievements as women and using the platform to inspire and empower other women, because it is a worthy cause and still extremely necessary. However, it also serves as a reminder that leadership should consistently honor the uniqueness of all individuals, acknowledging that we are all minorities in some aspect, whether it pertains to gender, race, culture, interests, learning styles, behavioral preferences, values, experiences, or family traditions. It’s easy to align with the majority, but the true challenge lies in remembering and advocating for the underrepresented.
Diversity Extends Beyond Appearances
I recall my time on a predominantly female team where pre-meeting discussions often centered on shopping and fashion. Contrary to the stereotype, I preferred discussing the latest football match and often felt left out of the conversation, like some of the other gentlemen on the team. Conversely, when I was the only woman in the room, since I worked in software sales, many conversations and activities went beyond my comfort zone, also making me feel excluded. These scenarios illustrate how easily one can feel isolated when their interests do not align with the majority, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where every voice and preference is acknowledged and respected.
During a recent team-building exercise with a group of all white, male engineers, whom shared they were aspiring for more diversity within their team, they uncovered a profound truth: diversity extends beyond appearances. Their self-discovery journey through personal profiles and discussions unveiled a rich tapestry of cognitive, experiential, and personal diversity they hadn’t initially appreciated, underscoring the value of looking beyond the surface to appreciate each team member’s unique contributions.
The key is not to assume. We all need to be aware of the extensive diversity that exists, the unconscious biases we all hold, and strive to be more inclusive.
Inclusion Is Not Just a Buzzword; it is a fundamental need
Inclusion is essential, providing the sense of belonging that is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. When we surround ourselves with people who share similar external characteristics, like language, appearance, or dress, it often provides a superficial sense of belonging. However, true inclusion goes deeper, transcending these external signs to embrace diversity at its core. Inclusion is more than just being part of a group; it’s about feeling safe, valued, and validated. This sense of belonging is so powerful that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that people with stronger social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with fewer connections. It is not a nice to have, it can literally be a matter of life or death.
Our Responsibility to Foster Inclusion to Build Trust and Connection
We are all responsible for nurturing an inclusive environment, within our workplace, community, families, or social circles. Our actions influence others’ sense of belonging significantly. By creating spaces where people feel safe to share their thoughts, ask questions, and express themselves without fear of judgment, we lay the groundwork for a more inclusive society.
Trust and connection are the pillars of inclusion. By actively seeking common ground and celebrating our differences, we can build meaningful relationships. This doesn’t mean ignoring our diversity but rather finding unity in it. Engaging in open dialogues, acknowledging each other’s perspectives, and showing genuine interest in others’ experiences are crucial steps in building an inclusive community.
Four Actionable Steps for Inspiring Inclusion
1. Acknowledge and Validate: Make an effort to see and hear everyone around you. Acknowledge their experiences, respect their views, and appreciate their feelings.
2. Build Trust: Engage in honest and open communication. Show empathy and understanding, creating a foundation for strong, trust-based relationships.
3. Celebrate Diversity: Encourage everyone to share their backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Celebrate these differences as a source of strength and innovation.
4. Foster Connections: Create opportunities for people to connect on a deeper level, beyond superficial similarities. Encourage discussions that explore diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Embracing Our Collective Diversity
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let’s renew our commitment to inclusion, acknowledging our collective diversity as a source of strength and unity. By valuing everyone’s unique story and contributions, we can forge a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant world for all. Let’s move beyond observing inclusion only on specific days and integrate it into our daily interactions and decisions, creating a society where everyone feels included and valued.
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