Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace are under attack鈥攈ere's why they matter more than ever
As International Women's Day approaches, we must redouble our efforts to champion social justice and the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). These are under unprecedented attack by some political leaders.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has recently DEI measures, claiming they are wasteful and discriminatory. Without evidence, he even blamed diversity hirings for a collision between a military helicopter and a passenger plane that killed 67 people.
In Australia, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is echoing a similar with his criticism of "culture, diversity and inclusion" positions in the public service.
We must resist attempts to tear down all the progress that has been made and remind ourselves of the why we pursue DEI in the workplace.
Women, racial minorities, people with disability and others continue to face to equal opportunities at work. Too often, they remain excluded from leadership and decision-making roles.
Defending diversity
Given the assault on DEI measures, it is worth restating why they are so important to a truly inclusive modern workplace.
DEI initiatives work to address obstacles and correct disadvantages so everyone has a fair chance of being hired, promoted and paid, regardless of their personal characteristics.
They ensure every person has a genuinely equal chance of access to social goods. They can be seen as "catch up" mechanisms, recognizing that we don't all start our working lives on an equal footing.
initiatives address discrimination, stereotypes and structural barriers that disadvantage people on the basis of their gender.
These initiatives call into question the idea of "merit-based" hiring, which often disguises the invisible which are held by many people in power鈥攆or example, against someone of a particular gender.
Australia's story
In Australia, we have a mixed story to tell when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The require companies with more than 100 employees to report annually on gender equality indicators, including pay gaps and workforce composition.
In Victoria, the promotes "positive action" to improve gender equality in higher education, local government and the public sector, which covers around 11% of the total state workforce.
Despite these laws, Australia is behind on gender equality indicators compared to other countries such as Iceland, Norway and New Zealand. According to the , Australia is ranked 26th out of 146 countries, albeit a step up from 54th in 2021.
The report shows continuing and significant gender gaps, particularly regarding women's representation in various industries such as science and political leadership.
Increased recognition
But in a cross section of fields, including , , , and there have been positive changes. Gender equality is being promoted through a wide range of initiatives that seek to push back against centuries of patriarchal dominance.
Workplace policies around paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, part-time work, breastfeeding and are part of the broader agenda to make workplaces more inclusive for women, gender-diverse people and working parents.
While many would not consider these improvements specific diversity initiatives, they are clear examples of the ways in which workplaces now recognize the different needs of women and working mothers.
Today, we see in the workplace and in positions of leadership across sectors.
But as feminist has noted, it is often the marginalized employees who carry the burden of doing all the "diversity work" in the workplace. "Diversity becomes work for those who are not accommodated by an existing system."
Redoubling efforts
Despite the welcome advances made, inequalities persist in the workplace.
We recognize many in positions of power are not willing (or able) to acknowledge their own privileged positions. Therefore they do not see that exist for others.
Social justice will not simply be gifted by those in power.
Given the challenging political climate, it is more important than ever that we continue to strive for gender equality鈥攔ather than simply uphold the status quo.
Provided by The Conversation
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