Eradicate Hair Discrimination.

As a Black woman with Locs, my personal experiences have shed light on the challenges faced when striving for Non-Executive Directors (NED) roles in the Workplace. These challenges are intertwined with the issue of hair discrimination, which the Afro Hair Day on September 15, 2023, sought to address – "Workplace acceptance". This event is relevant in promoting digital inclusion for Black women in the Workplace.

The obstacles to achieving professional success throughout my Tech career journey have been challenging. Despite my qualifications, skills, and experiences, the bias against natural hair, especially my Locs, has consistently created barriers for me in Non-Executive Director Roles.?

The harsh penalties of wearing natural hairstyles and the risks of adhering to societal norms have impacted many black women's health. One?2015 study?found that certain hair products commonly used by Black women may increase the risk of breast cancer. The popular permanent hair straighteners, called relaxers, were also found to contain hazardous chemicals, and a?2022 study?linked them to uterine cancer. Most black women in the UK are dealing with fibroids (I will do a separate blog on black women's health).

Afro Hair Day serves as a platform to spotlight the pervasive issue of hair discrimination. For Black women, especially those with natural hairstyles like Locs, the Workplace can be a hostile environment where they are unfairly judged based on their hair. This day underscores the need for change and equality in professional life.

Afro Hair Day encourages Black women to embrace their natural hair, including locs, without fear of prejudice or exclusion. It promotes self-confidence and self-acceptance, which are crucial for success in the Workplace. When Black women feel comfortable and proud about their hair, they can focus on their careers without conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards.

The Global #BeMedigitalinclusion program to raise one million black women in STEM | Web 3-related careers is critical to getting more black women into today's Workplace. Afro Hair Day plays a role in digital inclusion by helping Black women feel more comfortable and empowered in digital spaces. When individuals are confident in their appearance, they are more likely to engage actively in digital communication, networking, and collaboration, fostering professional growth.

The Afro Hair Day movement also brings attention to the microaggressions Black women face in the Digital Workplace. These microaggressions, whether subtle or overt, can hinder their advancement in leadership and Non-Executive Directors roles; unfortunately, this was the case for me. Acknowledging and addressing these issues can make the Workplace more inclusive and equitable.

Afro Hair Day aligns with the broader efforts to pass The CROWN Act, which seeks to end hair discrimination. Digital inclusion is not just about access to technology but also about creating policies and cultures that embrace diversity. This day contributes to a more inclusive workplace where Black women, including those with Locs, can thrive in the Tech sector.

In conclusion, Afro Hair Day on September 15, 2023, is a crucial milestone in the journey toward digital inclusion for Black women in the Workplace. By challenging hair discrimination, promoting self-acceptance, addressing microaggressions, and advocating for policy change, this day empowers Black women, including those with Locs, to excel in Non-Executive Directors (NED) roles and contribute fully to the digital workforce. It is a reminder that #BlackHairIsProfessional is time for the Workplace to recognise and celebrate this truth.

I want to thank Michelle De Leon , the founder of Afro Hair Day; Janice Gassam Asare, PhD, is the founder and CEO of BWG Business Solutions, a DEI consulting firm. She is the author of the forthcoming book Decentering Whiteness in the Workplace - We?Need?to Eradicate Hair Discrimination across the Globe.