Part 1 - What is Allyship?

Today I was reminded of the Allys who have shaped and helped progress my career in DEI. When I moved to Melbourne in 2021, I met an amazing man via LinkedIn the late Conor O'Malley PCC ; he was an Executive Coach leading from the heart as well as from the head as his LinkedIn bio describes.?Conor personified the word Ally; he was generous with his time and contacts, he invited me to events and connected me with amazing people in this city. He was truly an Ally for women in leadership.

So What is Allyship?

Allyship refers to the practice of individuals from privileged or majority groups supporting and advocating for marginalized or underrepresented groups. It involves taking action to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression and inequality. An ally is someone who acknowledges their privilege and uses it to actively promote the rights, well-being, and equality of others. I was in a new country and trying to connect and meet likeminded people in 2021 and Conor was there to not only welcome me but help me get connected and settled.

Allyship goes beyond passive support or sympathy and requires active engagement. It involves educating oneself about the experiences, struggles, and needs of marginalised communities and then taking concrete steps to address them. Before I moved from New Zealand, I had long virtual coffee meetings with Conor on Zoom and he took time to learn all about me; where I was from and how I had got to New Zealand from Zimbabwe and I remember him even buying my first book to learn more about my life experiences. Allies work to amplify marginalised voices, challenge biases and discrimination, and promote inclusivity and equity in all areas of life, including social, professional, and political spheres.

#DEI #Diversity #diversityandinclusion #allyship #marginalisedcommunities #equity #privilege #empathy