Representation matters.
Sally Walters
Regional Technical Lead @ Stantec | Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers | Fellow of Institution of Engineering and Technology. RAE Visiting Professor - University of Exeter
I am not sure I am really qualified to write this, or speak on the subject, as I am only a small part of the under representation, minority community in a wider system of mass exclusion, under representation?and bias...? however, taking a leaf out of my fantastic colleague Martin Scragg's book, I am going to write down my thoughts, and I don't mind if anyone reads them or not.
Firstly, representation matters, a whole lot. If you don't think it does, you are probably part of a community that has good representation. Sorry, hard truth.?
I have been bombarded recently with news on horrific acts against women across the world, from the Olympic Athlete, Rebecca Cheptegi, burnt alive by a former boyfriend, to the French mother, and grandmother repeatedly raped by a village of men, Gisèle Pélicot, Afghan women now having voices silenced in public to the atrocities of any war where women and children are the most vulnerable.?
The scale of inequality can at times feel hard.... and I am only a small piece of the puzzle, and a fairly well enabled and entitled member at that...? I know.?
So where am I going with this... I think I am going to the point that we need to still shout about achievements, our firsts, that we still need to fight for all our rights to have a seat at the table, and that we all have a role to play in being allies.?
There are some things that have brought such light and joy over the last few days, to counter the negatives
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I helped judge at an amazing competition last weekend Wodaptive, in Southampton.? Seeing mixed teams of able bodied and adaptive athletes competing on a level playing field was brilliant. Hearing quotes from athletes that their younger relatives watching were inspired and felt represented, even more so.?
A friend launching a charity, movement,? Constructability for raising awareness of issues and creating better access?
?in the construction industry and smashing stereotypes.?
Being the first female visiting professor and industrial partner at Exeter University Engineering department and being able to use a platform for promoting diversity and inclusion in engineering.?
So , let's start bring Bold, being Brave and shouting about the great examples and let's be visible leaders, game changers... as the age old saying goes from Small Acorns Mighty Oaks grow.... every action no matter how small counts.?
Sally out.?
Principal Geotechnical Engineer and multi-award winning EDI Champion / Advocate at GHD
2 个月When we think that the Paris 2024 Paralympics have just ended; these athletes are at the top of their game. They are not overcoming adversity or battling against the odds and they are not to be cooed over as some sort of inspirational example of triumph over tragedy. These are the events to celebrate without resorting to stereotypical tropes and cliches which unfortunately still haunt anything to do with disability. We see disabled bodies of different shapes and sizes, competing with each other, embracing each other, being in the spotlight, devoid of any shame. Too often society makes them look bad, using them as inspiration or tragedy makes them look more ‘human’? It’s the kind of performative empathy which seldom benefits disabled persons and does more harm than good. Every disabled person deserves a life of dignity and a chance to shine. Unless the able-bodied world decides to shift its gaze, that will remain a distant dream.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Design Expert Leading Projects for Stantec, with a passion for understanding people. Neurodiversity advocate. Expert lunch maker and photographer.
2 个月Thanks Sally. I too am part of the very privileged white, middle class group. It sickens me to read and hear of some of the things going on in the world. And Time and time again I am embarrassed by my sex. Thank you for being open and sharing your thoughts about a very important topic. With both of my children being autistic and one of them non binary, I do have a little glimpse into how their worlds are misunderstood and under represented. We have the power to make a difference. So let's do it.