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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
EDI+, EDI,IDEA… all variations of the same concept: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, with a "+" or an "A" added to include Accessibility.
- Diversity: The presence of a variety ofidentities and characteristics within a group;
- Equity: Ensuring equal opportunities and access to resources;
- Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and represented;
- Accessibility: Allowing all individuals to access spaces and services, regardless of their abilities.
Here’s asimple metaphor to illustrate these concepts:
- Diversity: Considering the people at thetable to ensure it isn’t too homogeneous.
- Equity: Providing meals adapted todifferent dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
- Inclusion: Giving everyone a voice andlistening to each person.
- Accessibility: Hosting the meal in a venue freeof physical barriers.
Together, these principles help build more inclusive and welcoming environments for everyone.
Myths about EDI+
In recent years, EDI+ has faced increasing criticism, often due to misunderstandings or poor application of its principles. Here are responses to some common anti-EDI+arguments:
“It’s too expensive/useless.”
Investingin diverse and inclusive workplaces brings long-term benefits: higheremployee retention, increased productivity, and improved job satisfaction.Numerous studies confirm this. However, if EDI+ is seen as just a box to check rather than a sincere commitment, its effectiveness will be limited.
“It’s reverse discrimination. It’s an anti-hetero movement.”
People often mistakenly believe that EDI+ only benefits small, specific minority groups. However, fostering inclusivity often benefits many people. Forexample, revising a dress code to be inclusive of trans individuals may also support cisgender women who prefer wearing traditionally masculine clothing.
“Hiring should be based on skills, not identity.”
Absolutely! But without an EDI+ approach, hiring processes don’t always reflect actual skills. Unconscious biases and systemic discrimination often favor certain identities over others, leading to an over representation of some groups in leadership roles. Proper EDI+ implementation broadens the pool of qualified candidates, ensuring that no one is excluded from opportunities because of who they are. The goal is not to prioritize identity over skills but to ensure skilled individuals aren’t excluded based on identity.
Our Services
Fondation Émergence offers personalized support to help businesses and organizations better integrate sexual and gender diversity into theirwork places.
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