The importance of individual action

Empowering Change: The Importance of Individual Action in Advancing DEI

By Luli Adeyemo

I know I should be winding down for the evening but I've just come off a call with a colleague who sent me a link revealing yet another large tech firm scaling back on their DEI staff and initiatives. Although disheartening, it reinforces my resolve to turn challenges into opportunities.

It's about turning obstacles into stepping stones and not losing momentum in our drive for a truly inclusive tech workforce.

While these decisions might signal a shift in organisational priorities, they also highlight an important truth: the journey towards true DEI requires more than just top-down initiatives.

The Power of Individual Action

Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand how impactful individual efforts can be in fostering a more inclusive workplace environment. Each one of us, regardless of our position or title, has the potential to be that spark for change. When we take personal responsibility for promoting DEI, we contribute to a culture that values and respects diversity in all its forms.

The Current Landscape

The journey towards a more inclusive workplace is not without its challenges. Many organisations are facing constraints on DEI resources, which can hinder large-scale initiatives. However, this does not mean we should abandon our commitment to these vital principles. Instead, it presents an opportunity for us to rethink our approach and leverage the strengths of our community.

The Tech Reflects Study: A Call to Action

This brings me to an initiative close to my heart: the Tech Reflects study. This is exactly why we're opening the Tech Reflects study to individuals, not just organisations. Many of you have asked if you could contribute individually, and we've listened. This study is now a platform for everyone in the tech workforce (from marketing to sales to coders) to be heard. By taking part we can get answers to questions such as :

• Are we fully leveraging these capabilities in our society?
• Can we guarantee that people with disabilities are included in the tech workforce?

Participation in the Tech Reflects study is not just about providing data; it's about being part of a movement. The findings will serve as a valuable resource for organisations that are strapped for DEI resources, offering evidence-based strategies and best practices that can be implemented even with limited support.

Why Your Participation Matters

I urge everyone, from individual contributors to organisational leaders, to participate in the Tech Reflects study. Your involvement will help create a robust picture of DEI in our workforce, and the resulting insights will empower us all to advocate for and implement meaningful changes. This is an opportunity to support one another and build a more inclusive tech community from the ground up.

The study is anonymous and takes just three minutes - get started!

In these times of change, it's more important than ever to remember that each of us has the power to make a difference. By taking action, participating in initiatives like the Tech Reflects study, and supporting each other, we can continue to advance DEI in meaningful ways. Let us embrace this moment and work together to create a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just goals, but realities.

Together, we can make lasting change happen. Scan this rather enormous QR code to go straight to the study, or if you are still not sure then visit here to find out more - https://tech-diversity.com.au/techreflects-study/