Friday Fun Facts: "Did you know" facts from throughout the ages
Kris Clelland
Managing Director (APAC) - TALiNT Partners | Executive Talent & HR Events | Founder & Director | Board Advisor | Host & Keynote Speaker
Keeping in line with last week, as I enjoyed researching, finding and having a laugh at the "did you know" stars that I uncovered, I thought I would keep this going but introduce some from "throughout the ages".....starting with an Aussie fact:
Did you know that in 2017, the Australian state of Queensland introduced gender-neutral driver's licenses? The new licenses allow individuals to identify as male, female, or X for non-binary or unspecified gender.
Did you know that the first-ever computer programmer was a woman named Ada Lovelace? She worked with Charles Babbage in the 1800s to develop an early mechanical computer called the Analytical Engine, and wrote the first algorithm that could be processed by the machine.
Did you know that the term "intersectionality" was first coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to describe the ways in which different aspects of a person's identity (such as race, gender, and sexual orientation) intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination? So.....next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of DEI issues (personally or professionally), just remember that there's a word for it!
Did you know that the first recorded instance of workplace diversity was when the Tower of Babel was being built? According to the Bible, people spoke different languages and were dispersed to different parts of the world, resulting in a diverse workforce. (BTW...The Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11:1–9 is an origin myth and parable meant to explain why the world's peoples speak different languages).
Did you know that the term "glass ceiling" was coined in 1978 by Marilyn Loden during a panel discussion on women's career issues? She used the term to describe the invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher levels of leadership.
Did you know that in 2015, Sweden added a new word to their dictionary to describe gender-neutral pronouns? The word is "hen," which can be used to refer to a person without specifying their gender.
Did you know that the first recorded instance of a diverse group of people coming together to celebrate their differences was during the ancient Greek Olympic games? The games brought together people from different regions and cultures to compete and celebrate their shared humanity.
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Did you know that a study by the University of Kansas found that people who are more accepting of diversity tend to have a better sense of humor? ????The study found that people who scored higher on a measure of tolerance were more likely to find humor in situations that involved people from different backgrounds.
Did you know that the world's first known female author, Enheduanna, lived in ancient Mesopotamia around 2300 BCE? She was also a high priestess, making her one of the earliest examples of gender diversity in leadership.
Did you know that in 2018, a German court ruled that employers must specify the gender of job applicants when posting job ads? The ruling was intended to promote gender diversity in the workplace.
Did you know that the concept of "diversity training" was first introduced in the United States in the 1960s as a way to address race relations in the workplace? Today, diversity training covers a range of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is a must in a high percentage of onboarding activities in global business.
Did you know that the first African-American astronaut, Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., was selected for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program in 1967, but died in a training accident before he could go into space? His legacy has inspired greater diversity in the field of space exploration.
Did you know that the city of Portland, Oregon has a "Naked Bike Ride" every year to promote body positivity and inclusivity? Participants are encouraged to "bare as you dare" and ride through the streets to celebrate diversity in all its forms.
BLACKROC | Director - Contingent Workforce
2 年Some great fun facts! Interesting to know where the term glass ceiling originated.
Fair Pay | Innovation | SaaS | Strategic Consultant | Exited Founder | Board Advisor
2 年Very fun Friday edition thanks Kris Clelland ??
Leadership Recruiter | Diversity Advocate | at Wipro Limited
2 年Thanks for sharing Kris. Have one more for you: Did you know that the most succesful Pirate in history was a Woman? Zheng Yi Sao was the leader of the Gunagdong Pirate Conferderation to which over 400 junks with 40000- 60000 Pirates belonged who raided shipping of the East India Company, The Portugese Empire and the Qing Dynasty of China in the South China Sea. Other than her many male fellows she died peaceful and prosperous in 1844 aged 68.
Business Analytics Manager @ Horsefly DEI / Workforce Planning / Talent Acquisition / Skill Based Hiring / Talent Intelligence
2 年I will be using some of these snippets soon. Have a great weekend, Chris.