Navigating the Path to Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility ??
Gabrielle Austen-Browne FRSA (she/her)
Award-Winning DEI Consultant | Implementing Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Strategies in Events & Beyond | Mentor | Speaker | Legacy Creator
Are you ready to dive into another edition of the Diversity Alliance newsletter?
This week, I am tackling some hot topics in the DEI world that are sure to get you fired up! ??
From the recent controversy surrounding Chris Horner and the importance of creating safe, inclusive workplaces - to the economic barriers holding women back. As usual, I am not shying away from the tough conversations. ??
Don’t worry though, I share some good news too - We've got two new pledges joining the Safe Space initiative (woohoo! ??) and some inspiring takeaways from the People & Culture Theatre at International Confex. ??
DON’T FORGET - about British Sign Language Week! I share about promoting awareness and understanding of British Sign Language and deaf culture.?
So take 5 mins out of your day, grab your favourite beverage and settle in ??
In this week's newsletter:
??? IWD x? Economic Independence
??? Addressing Systemic Misconduct in the Workplace?
??? British Sign Language Week - What you need to know
??? Safeguarding diversity and inclusion during times of change and uncertainty
??? Two new pledgers join the Safe Space initiative?
??? We share our incredible two days at the People & Culture Theatre at International Confex!?
?? PLUS Resources to support financial independence for women?
Unlocking Women's Economic Independence: 5 Key Factors We Need to Talk About ????
Organisations and businesses last week celebrated International Women's Day, with a focus on women and gender equality for the rest of the month. You know what I think is absolutely crucial when it comes to gender equality? Women's economic independence. ?? There are so many factors that impact it.
In fact, I recently had a conversation with the incredible Natalie Campbell MBE on my podcast, Diversity Alliance Talks. ??? We dove deep into this topic, and it was eye-opening!?
If you haven't checked it out yet, you've got to give it a listen on Spotify ??
Diversity Alliance Talks Podcast - Spotify OR?Watch bitesize episode on YT
So, I've personally been thinking of five areas related to women's economic independence, and these are:
Now, here's the thing - people don't talk about money enough! ???
I wish we would, because I genuinely believe we'd all be better off if we did. Plus, if we openly discussed salaries in the workplace, it could lead to closing the gender pay gap. In addition - why isn’t financial literacy taught in schools, it certainly should be.
I’d love to know your thoughts, experiences, and ideas about women's economic independence??
Here are some great resources on this topic:
Money Nuggets - Discover the clear path to financial success and building sustainable wealth with a FREE ROADMAP?
Financial Freedom Series Savvy Women Online - Check out their Financial Freedom Series
Female Invest - A? financial learning community
Also...
Last year we delivered an online confab centred around Building a Stronger Female Future.
I'm a firm believer in the transformative power of knowledge, shared experiences, and impactful conversations to drive positive change. Diversity Alliance regularly hold confabs that provide a platform for individuals to learn from one another, inspire action, and implement meaningful change in their personal and professional lives.
Our sessions align with our various campaigns like International Women's Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, or Age Perception Month. We create an inclusive space for open dialogue and collaboration, where together, we explore strategies, tools, and best practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal is for attendees to leave feeling empowered and equipped with actionable ideas to drive change within their own spheres of influence.
?? Let me share the Building a Stronger Female Future confab resource with you! https://www.diversityalliance.co.uk/confabs?
(SNEAK PEEK ??)
Safeguarding diversity and inclusion during times of change and uncertainty??
Have you noticed how redundancies and restructures tend to hit minority groups the hardest? ???
It's a tough reality, especially with the hangover from the pandemic, war and the cost of living crisis making things even more challenging. ??
I remember reading some stats showing that the pandemic disproportionately impacted women and ethnic minorities. POC, particularly young adults, experienced higher rates of job loss, furloughs, and reduced hours compared to their white colleagues. I think it's time to dig deep and understand the root causes of this disparity and come up with strategies to make a change. ???
Maintaining our focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) during these tough times is more important than ever. We need to safeguard the rights and opportunities of minorities in the workforce. ???
I recognise it’s not easy navigating budget cuts and constraints while keeping inclusion a priority, but it's essential.? Let's put on our equality lenses and figure out how to manage workforce changes while preserving equality and inclusion.?
What are your thoughts on this?
??It’s British Sign Language Week
March marks the celebration of BSL (British Sign Language) and ISL(Irish Sign Language), which are recognised as distinct languages since 2003 (by the UK government).
Promoting BSL and ISL learning is crucial, preserving these languages within our communities is equally vital for future generations and accessibility.
Click the link to learn key insights for the live events industry.
领英推荐
Also, have you checked out these accounts on IG @being__her, @ablesign_, and @theopsnest ? We recommend following them for BSL Week inspiration!
?? ?? At Diversity Alliance, we help event companies achieve inclusivity in the workplace and provide inclusion workshops that specialise in accessibility to help employees with education and awareness. As well as how employers can best support deaf or hard of hearing people through their talent pipeline, suppliers and partners. Reach out to [email protected]
?? A Wake-Up Call for Addressing Systemic Misconduct in the Workplace ??
MY OH MY - where do we start...I think there is a lot we can learn from the Chris Horner Red Bull controversy.. Let me share my thoughts with you.?
Now, whilst internal investigations might have cleared him there has been a flood of leaked messages that raises eyebrows about how women's complaints are handled in the workplace.
This incident isn't just about one person; it's about the systemic issues of misconduct that need addressing across all industries and as a DEI expert and a woman, I can't stress enough the importance of taking allegations seriously, especially when there's a power imbalance at play!
FGS (and I think this is an obvious one) - disregarding women's experiences in the workplace and in society only perpetuates a culture of fear and silence.?
So I want to share a message with all (event industry) leaders to take the initiative to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone's voice matters and are listened to. No matter the status of the accused and the victim - this shouldn't be up for debate!
Want to make sure your company has a culture of acceptance and is a safe space for all genders? At Diversity Alliance we provide workshops, training, audits and consulting services to help organisations achieve a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity.
To make sure your events have a culture of acceptance and is a safe space for all genders, consider joining the safe space charter https://buff.ly/3wOmo8u?
NEW! DEI Confessionals
Diversity Alliance ? have launched a new series called 'My DE&i Confessionals' where we ask for YOU to share your confessions on issues relating to DE&I in the events industry with us, it's all completely anonymous (don't worry??). It is a safe space for people to share their own stories that have impacted them, to either ask for help, advice or to simply confess...
LINK TO DEI CONFESSIONS FORM?
By sharing your experiences, you are not only empowering yourself but also contributing to larger conversations around how we can be more inclusive, equitable and accessible.?
Read the first confession here
Update - The Safe Space Charter & Initiative?
Exciting NEWS ?? I am thrilled to announce we have two new pledgers to the Safe Space initiative - emc3 | Certified B Corp and The Ops Nest who will have formally agreed to uphold a zero tolerance policy against Discrimination and Harassment, during their company events in all of its forms!
Polite note - to those that have signed the charter, we can't confirm your participation until you share the relevant docs ??
?? Pledge to be a Safe Space today: https://form.typeform.com/to/ziCHtd6O?typeform-source=l.instagram.com
?? What an incredible two days at the People & Culture Theatre at International Confex…
Most sessions were full and some had standing room only, showing that our people and our culture is important and we want change. We want to be seen, supported, validated, and heard.
Honestly. I'm still on a high from the energy, insights, and passion shared by our amazing speakers and attendees. The stage explored diverse strategies for cultivating diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility in everything - from event speaker lineups to the psychology behind unforgettable attendee experiences. The sessions dove deep into what it takes to create a thriving, human-centered industry.?
Watch Our Confex Reel Here for highlights
I must say a huge thanks to our incredible speakers who shared their lived experiences and visions for change. They shone a light on critical issues like accessibility, neurodiversity, mental health, and work-life integration, sparking conversations about how we can design events and workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves. Your stories and ideas are the catalyst we need to drive real progress!
Also, a big shoutout to our sponsors, especially MyClearText for providing live captions and championing accessibility.?
Finally, a big thank you to my co-host Neil Hudson-Basing who did a fantastic job of bringing the audience along on the journey. A true professional and great at what he does. Do consider hiring him to be your emcee!?
To everyone who showed up ready to listen, learn, and be part of the solution - you give me so much hope. Let's keep this momentum going and hold each other accountable to turn these conversations into concrete action.
IWD at the Hilton London Metropole?
??? As much as I have been sharing some bugbears around IWD online, I did have a lovely time moderating a panel for the team at the Hilton London Metropole organised by their DEI committee for International Women's Day. The panel focussed on having Courageous Conversations and Empowering Women in Hospitality and Events.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible panellists:
?? Kathryn (Kat) Winfield, who shared her inspiring journey of growth and resilience as well as the power of mentorship.
?? Ellena Nsajja who emphasised the importance of workplace inclusion and representation in leadership roles.
?? Vidhya Nigam who discussed how challenges or obstacles can be positive experiences that help us to grow and step into the person we are meant to be.?
?? Miriam Kennedy - Centre Manager at The Marylebone Project, who offered valuable insights on women empowering eachother when facing crisis and homelessness.
Their stories ignited meaningful discussions and left a lasting impact on me and everyone who attended.?
Earlier this month we had a blast running our DEI workshop for Showcase ?
From eye-opening insights to actionable strategies, it was a day filled with growth and collaboration??
Watch the reel of the workshop HERE
Is your company ready to take your DEI efforts to the next level? ??
Reach out today to schedule your own Diversity Alliance? workshop and be part of the journey towards a more inclusive future.