Part 2 - What are the Key Aspects of Allyship?

Key aspects of Allyship include:

1. Education: Allies invest time and effort to learn about the experiences and perspectives of marginalised groups, as well as the systemic issues they face. Education can come in many forms, reading books, watching documentaries and listening to the stories. My very first Ally was John Parker (Sr) was a man from my church who used to come to my mother’s restaurant every morning for a cup of tea and his daily newspaper. I used to go to the restaurant at 6am every morning with my mother and help her chop vegetables; clean the shop and get ready for her busy day before school.

Mr Parker used to take the time to speak with me and ask what I wanted to do after I finished school. We started talking about computers and the possibility of my becoming a programmer and he opened up a whole new world I would never have been exposed to in 1985. Computers were a new thing and his son; another John Parker (Jnr) became my first boss at the London Rhodesia Company; the largest conglomerate in Zimbabwe at the time. I applied to be a trainee programmer and aced the aptitude test and was selected out of a group of 25 applicants to get my first job in computers. I am a first generation coder and programmed computers in Basic, Pascal, Fortran and Cobol. Going into an IT profession changed the protectory of my life forever.

1. Listening and Empathy: Allies listen actively and empathetically to the concerns, stories, and experiences of marginalised individuals. They aim to understand and validate their experiences without dismissing or silencing them. I remember when I decided to get my first job, my father had lost his job and the bank was going to reposes our home and I shared this story with Mr Parker one day and he organised for me to go to Harare and do an aptitude test at his son’s workplace. He opened a door that enabled me to work and help my parents get back on their feet financially.
2. Amplification: Allies use their privilege and platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of marginalised groups. This can involve sharing their stories, promoting their work, or creating space for them to be heard. Mr Parker definitely created a space for my story to be heard and I was employed not just as a diversity hire but based on merit and aptitude.
3. Advocacy and Action: Allies actively challenge discrimination, bias, and oppressive systems. They speak up against injustice, support policies that promote equity, and take action to create more inclusive environments. I remember at seventeen being not only the youngest but the only black employee in the IT development team. And Mr Parker junior made sure to include me in all conversations within the team. Every Monday morning her would come to everyone’s desk and collect the trash; at the time I didn’t understand why my boss would clean-up after me; but looking back he humbled himself to demonstrate that he was equal to all his subordinates.
4. Self-Reflection: Allies continuously reflect on their own biases, privileges, and actions. They are open to feedback and criticism, and they commit to personal growth and learning. He would ask me questions about how I felt the department could improve; and take notes when I shared my ideas. Really taking onboard the views of a young seventeen year old African girl in an all-white male dominated work environment.

It's important to note that allyship is an ongoing process. It requires consistent effort, self-education, and active engagement with marginalised communities. By being an ally, individuals contribute to creating a more just and inclusive society.

#allyship #diversityandinclusion #listening #empathy #selfreflection #advocacy