What does equity look like with one eye?

In the past six?months, we have been witnessing one of the greatest fights for equity and equality in history. One that, in many ways, is redefining the meaning of equality and fairness overall.

Like hundreds of others, I have been marching the streets of the UK most weekends in an attempt to make the voice of the courageous men and women of Iran who are leading this change, heard by the rest of the world.?

On this journey I got to learn firsthand the story of many inspiring individuals. The beautiful warriors who have lost their eyesight, the ones who have lost their loved ones in this fight. The innocent men, women and children who have been detained in the most notorious political prisons in Iran. And, more tragically, the story of the great dignity of many women who have been on the front line.

Amongst all,?the story that touched my heart the most, was the one?of the hundreds of beautiful women who lost their eyesight in this brutal tragedy. Their intention was to simply protest for freedom of choice. Little did they know that this would lead to a devastating gun shot straight into their eye cavity.

I have been connecting and talking to many. What I find fascinating, talking to these heroines, is that despite the deep pain of losing sight of their dreams, they are keeping a? clear vision of the change that they would want to see in this world - a gender equal and equitable future.

Some of their voices still echo in my mind:

“The most blind are the ones who turn a blind eye and don’t want to see.“

“Even with a closed eye, I feel the flame of a dream for an equal starting point is going to be burning in my heart. I know that I can’t play at the same level but I know the ones after me will.”?

“I close my eyes and I envisage a free future. I will fight this to the end but fighting with one eye is so much more painful.“

“My vision has never been clearer, I will not forget and I will not forgive. “

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but feel that despite the incredible tenacity and courage of these amazing souls, the sad reality is that they will never be at the same starting point as many of us.

Touched by this tragedy, whilst I have been incredibly lucky to not have experienced the same, I can deeply relate to it. I often felt like I have navigated through many points in my life and career with one eye, with a blurred vision of what a truly free world would look like. One where it is safe to be your authentic self.

Growing up in post revolution Iran, I watched women being silenced over and over for daring greatly. I was systematically and continuously reminded that my civil, legal, and even human rights would not be equal as the boys my age, because they will grow up to lead and they need the extra support. I was told that speaking up is not safe, blending in is the way forward and turning a blind eye is the way to keep safe.?

That navigational advice was against every bit of my being.

When I moved to the UK and finally had the opportunity to get to start at an equal point, I found it a terrifying experience. I didn’t feel that I had all the internal resources required to fully embrace the opportunity.

That blurred vision has led me to a frustratingly non-linear but incredibly rewarding journey of growth.

A journey where almost every external high is followed by?an internal low. Feeling the need to resist reverting back to the system default: “Am I going to be as good as others or will I only be half as good? Is there going to be a price to pay for standing out? Should I carry on speaking up, or is it time to play it safe and turn a blind eye?”

What has helped me keep going are the leaders and allies who simply recognised my point of view, my unique talents and have stood by my side.

The ones who showed that extra bit of understanding. The ones who took a risk and gave me that one extra chance. The ones who parked their judgement and supported me through some of my most irrational decisions. The ones who held the mirror and reminded me of how far I’ve come. The ones who created a safe space for me to be my authentic self.

When I think about what a truly fair future looks like for those brave women of Iran, and many more of us, who might have had our vision dimmed by our past experiences, I know it can’t be “just” equality.

It is about acknowledging that we don’t all start from the same place and developing a mindset to embrace equity.

It’s about creating an equal playing field by first identifying the barriers that exist within us or our systems and cultures. And then, creating the much needed changes that generate equal outcomes.

For us leaders, it’s about remembering that putting everyone at the same starting point is not always going to create a fair outcome. We can strive to become more aware of the social, cultural, neurodiversity, behavioural and belief differences of our people and embrace equity within our sphere of influence.

Let's all?#embraceequity?today, and always.

As we are celebrating International Women’s Day, I want to thank all the leaders who truly created an equitable environment and gave me that one extra bit of support to keep growing.? Musidora Jorgensen , Danielle Macleod (she/her) Elaine Allen Pamela Wolf David Schneider Ian Hargreaves Liz Timoney Simon Morris Nathan Summers Jennifer Morrison Richard Hind Kate Wadley Femina Sanghvi Rashpal Samra Neil Chapman Helen Philpot Alexandra Masierowska Alex Winch Adrian Smalley Dirk Abeel Ole Goehring Catherine Strowger May we follow your footsteps!