Intersections

A fundamental pillar of DEIB work (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) is acknowledging our own multi-layered identity, and the historical, political, cultural, access and society-structure placement implications behind each one of those layers.

One of the beauties about embracing our multiple identities is, therefore, observing how each of the pieces unfolds through the intrinsic power relationships we engage in. For example, being an #AFAB and becoming increasingly aware of how women find, conquer, endure, or make space in the society we live in may elevate our sense-making while (re)shaping a career path. Likewise, moulding our narrative through the historical journeys of our mixed cultures and valuing our heritage(s) is in itself a process of empowerment.

2023 has been a very fascinating year for me. As a DEIB practitioner and strategist for over a decade, applying whole-society and person-centred approaches to project design, inclusion interventions, capacity building, continuous professional development, in my old job I had partly forgotten my other professional personas and previous research. Of course, I was unconsciously pulling out of the hat a variety of tools from my Community Psychology, learning facilitation, communication and Intercultural relations studies – even though not explicitly referring to them in each of the jobs I ventured into.

Beyond unveiling a newfound freedom to explore and dive into different topics over this last semester - such as LGBTIQ Migrations, Health, organisational assessment - one of the biggest surprises along the way, was discovering that Digital Activists grapple with the same issues Human Rights activists often act upon. Advocating for social justice is a common human strive after all. And someone has to do it.

Moreover, the extra mile I hadn’t thought of, unfolded before my eyes when the incredible feminist human power that is @Sandra O. actively pulled me into the 2023 Global Gathering. The concept of bringing together a Code of Conduct Commission, as well as a 0-tolerance policy - actively offering competent space for people feeling unsafe to be heard, and acting upon (potential) aggression to avoid further hurt within a community - was a real eye opener for me. As women, and especially as women from diverse cultural backgrounds, we are taught to be discreet. This greatly contributes to mental health pressure when facing injustice and often further silences our voices.  I had never experienced a space nor a professional community that offered non-judgmental unconditional support in vulnerable mental health circumstances – let alone one where I got to be Head of Commission, humbled by the opportunity to serve others to rise from the ashes of a fragile situation.

TCU validating the development of a safe space for Listening and Dialogue shed light on my own story. It provided space for me to shine in the intersection between Mental Health prevention and DEIB, and made me feel part of a community I would have never thought I could belong to (me, Digital??! lol).

And mostly, it amplified my virtual voice in caring for the carers.

I can now affirm it without a shadow of doubt: Trust Empowers.  

And yes, a disco ball is hanging round my neck – brilliant idea by Erin McConnell . Bring informality and light into formal professional positions 😊

If you wish to know more about Digital Justice, click on Danae, TCU’s and Article 19’s wonderful work: The Digital Justice House