Positive representation is still not being taken seriously enough. It’s disheartening to see institutions and society still not recognising the importance of it. Sadly, there are still structures in place that are highly challenging, and are built to keep the underprivileged oppressed.
I’ve seen it in many businesses. Companies look for quick wins, as they only want to solve leadership problems to make a board report look impressive. Placing one person at the top does not solve the problem. If anything, it makes it worse. Can you imagine the pressure put on this person? A company is expecting one person to represent a whole community – this is not inclusion.
This may be a really crazy idea, but what about solving the long-term issue; why not recruit diversity at all other levels so there is a constant flowing pipeline? (Sarcasm used here btw, but sounds like a good solution, right?!)
It’s also so, so, so, so important for the right type of representation to be visible, and for them to be recognised for their positive impact. Basically, by placing a person who ticks the diversity tickbox, but has behavioural issues is not fixing the problem – you’re making it worse.
Representation goes way beyond gender, but let’s take female representation as ONE example. On the face of it, some companies are impressive. Great maternity packages, flexibility, leadership opportunities, and commitment to providing equal pay, but the issue of being oppressed still remains. Women are still spoken over by men in meetings, sexually harassed, and expected to prioritise work over their family life.
FINDING INSPIRATION
We all need the right type of inspiration. If I hadn’t been inspired (directly and indirectly) by some real badass and courageous women, I wouldn’t have known what possibilities and opportunities were/are available to me. To name a few:
* My diverse group of friends that live their truth. They take risks, and refuse to be labeled and boxed. They don’t follow society’s checklist or any social norms, they just follow their own hearts and live their truth.
* A former manager of mine showed me that you can manage motherhood and a high flying career hand in hand – as long as you have the right support system built to help achieve this.
* Rupi Kaur’s courage to continue speaking up on human rights issues (in particular on the 1984 Sikh Genocide). She is not worried about being perceived as politically correct, or to gain friends or positive publicity, she just speaks truth.
* No prime minister and policy is perfect, but Jacinda Ardern impresses me immensely. She shows the world you can lead a country and still remain kind and empathetic.
* Ruth Bader Ginsburg showed the world you don’t have to be loud and aggressive to be heard. She continued to speak up for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community in an industry dominated by men.
* In 2019, I recall witnessing, for the first time ever, women at one Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) performing duties I’ve only ever seen men perform in religious institutions.
* I remember seeing a Massi (Aunt) of mine in India leading duties ONLY a male is typically seen or expected to perform. I began to question and challenge all traditions, rituals, and practices thereafter.
There are A LOT of inspiring representatives out there, and you just have to find them. You don’t need to meet them personally, you can just take the inspiration that works for you. But one thing that comes to mind whilst typing this is that the one thing that all these women have in common is the support of great male allies. Whether it was the great male leader in the workplace, partner at home, or a “leader” from a male-dominated Gurdwara committee, all these women were able to carry out responsibilities in a “man’s world” because they had great men supporting them.
If representation is truly supported, it will help shape how minorities are viewed by society and how they view themselves. It will also create a space of hope, inspiration, and change.
I desire and hope to see better, increased, and genuine representation across all disciplines someday. In the meantime, for those of you in privileged positions, please support those that don’t necessarily roll in your circles, and for those of you not being represented, take inspiration from others but always remember to be you.
*All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.