In November, we commemorate International Men's Day. While conversations surrounding Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) often revolve around various underrepresented groups, the role of men, especially white, cis-gender men, is sometimes overlooked. However, we firmly believe that EDI strategies require the support and active participation of all individuals, including those who may be perceived to have privilege.
We delivered a campaign focussing on providing opportunities and safe spaces for men to be true allies, explore their identities, share their challenges and concerns, and become integral parts of the EDI puzzle. After all, it's difficult to understand individual intersectional identities if men aren't given the chance to openly discuss them.
We identified industry influencers and commentators who have shown vulnerability and empathy by sharing their personal stories, challenges, and the tools they use to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both in the workplace and beyond.
A Conversation with Mike McCarthy: The Baton of Hope
Gabby Austen-Browne, the Founder of Diversity Alliance, engages in a conversation with Mike McCarthy, a former BBC and SKY News Journalist and presenter. Mike is also the co-founder of The Baton of Hope, the largest suicide awareness and prevention campaign the UK has ever seen. Discover insights from this impactful discussion as they delve into the critical issue of mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of inclusion.
Meet our contributor, Mike McCarthy.
Visit here to learn more about and support The Baton of Hope, the groundbreaking campaign aiming to save lives and raise awareness about suicide prevention.
We also had the pleasure of interviewing Micheal Newton, Podcast Host and Manager at Cvent, Lowell Cabual the Senior Account Manager at Showcase, Josh King the VP of Growth at emc3 and Tom Fisher the Head of Sector Marketing Operations at Clarion Events and Founder of Release The Trout
The Role of White Men in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
A significant challenge in the world of EDI is the perception that some white male leaders don't have a role to play or belong in discussions about supporting underprivileged groups in their organisations. This article, titled "How to Show White Men That Diversity and Inclusion Efforts Need Them", delves into this topic and explores the potential consequences of neglecting this important aspect of EDI.
A Glimpse Beyond EDI: Thoughts on Diversity in Leadership
While slightly off-topic, our founder shared her thoughts on the UK's most "diverse cabinet in history." This reflection underscores the need for leaders from diverse backgrounds to uplift others and create genuine change. The article highlights the importance of intersectionality and looking beyond mere visual representation.
International Men's Day is all about fostering positive conversations about men, manhood, and masculinity, making a positive difference in the lives of men, and raising awareness around initiatives that support men's wellbeing. As we celebrate International Men's Day on November 19, let's remember that the single biggest challenge to engaging in D&I efforts, as noted by almost 70% of white men surveyed, is knowing whether they are "wanted." Let's change that together!
If you need someone to talk to, please consider reaching out to these recommended charities:
🔵 Men's Minds Matter 🔵 Mind 🔵 Andy's Man Club #ItsOkayToTalk 🔵 Samaritans 🔵 Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
With Love & Light, Gabby 🌈
Founder & Director
Connect with us: