3 Ways To Be An Active Ally

Since the dawn of time, our ancestors worked hard for survival, overcame obstacles, and built a life which has given hope and opportunity to the current generation. Many made sacrifices, lived through adversity and showed unimaginable graft to change their poverty-stricken conditions. To rise, people needed courage to change their path, often cases with little or no other choice. This meant to leave a place deemed as their lifelong abode and settle in what was the promised land. There are so many stories with this narrative and has led to the diverse workplace we have today.

My father's family history roots back to India, a small village called Navli in the state of Gujarat. My paternal ancestors are generations of farmers, lived in the same house for as far as we can remember them by name, they worked on the land they owned and passed this on to their children. It was a succession and maybe they were content but there always was someone who wanted more or wanted to break free. My great grandfather was a school headmaster and probably the first to escape what his forefathers did before him.

In their time, we could consider many as living on the breadline, only the men earning a wage to feed their family, since women didn't work nor allowed to have an education. Their place (without choice) was at home, for domestic duties and raise a herd of children. We now joke and say they had so many kids because they didn't have a TV back then! It also was common for child marriage, what we would now consider a horrific crime. Even my own grandmother married as early as 14.

Many hoped for a better world and immigrated from India to Africa (where both of my parents were born and raised). For some, the life away from what was 'home', was a luxury, they built businesses, owned homes with maids, nannies and had chauffeurs drive them about in fancy cars.

My grandfather (maternal) was another to break free from the cycle of generational farming, studied art and immigrated to Mombasa, Kenya where he owned a photography studio in the 1950's. My 90-year-old grandmother (the inspiration behind my business Style Savita), to this day tells me all about the good times and life she could not have imagined.

My parents' home in Mumbai in the 1980's was a one bedroom flat, occupied by 6 adults and a child (my older brother). My parents slept on the floor, in what was the kitchen by day and makeshift bedroom by night (also occupied by a few cockroaches). A life that still exists for so many today but with more people under one small roof. My mum and dad had the courage to change what would be our future by immigrating to the UK. Just like my family, others have lived through some of the toughest moments in history, including wars, political turmoil, empires and colonisation. Don’t be mistaken – history impacts privilege. First generation migrant Indians left behind their parents, friends, family and even children for opportunities of wealth and prosperity by settling in the western world. The sacrifices made didn't turn out to be what they had imagined. Segregation, racial abuse and inability to find work worthy of their skills and qualifications. People with degrees were working in factories for bare minimum wages. Was it worth the sacrifice in the end? Well, now they see their children, the opportunities and careers they have as professionals because of such sacrifices, then many would consider it worthwhile. However, when we talk about diversity and inclusion in the professional workplace, there is still so much to do. I referenced some of the challenges in my post 'Are you an observer or an ally for reaching parity in the workplace?' and ‘2020: The year the world woke up’.

'Saying you’re an ally is much easier than actually being an ally. Saying you’re an ally looks good on paper, especially if you’re never questioned about your inaction'. - Amélie Lamont.

Therefore, being just an ally is not enough. I call upon action in the form of an active ally. This is a person who learns, and in some cases unlearns. They are proactive and understand the power of their privilege. They seek social justice and stand up in the moment with not only a voice but actions for those oppressed.

Here are 3 ways to be an active ally in the workplace:

1) Learn about people and cultures

Self-education and having a genuine interest in other cultures is a key trait of an ally. Learn about racial injustice and historical events, you'll be surprised how much was not shared in your school history lessons. Knowing a co-worker’s name isn't enough to be an ally, you must know them better.

2) Stand up and speak up

Be there in the moment of injustice, take on what may feel uncomfortable and speak up for someone in a marginalised group to be an active ally. Be the supportive voice at the table where they may not have a seat.

3) Acknowledge and use your privilege

Support those who lack privilege. This is not just about income or status but knowing there are certain factors about who you are that will determine experiences you face, which includes race, gender and sexual orientation. Acknowledging we are not born equal is where we must begin.

I challenge those in positions of privilege to stand up, speak up and learn how to be an active ally.

#choosetochallenge #iwd #genderparity #iwd2021

Sources:

https://guidetoallyship.com/