Diversity - It’s everyone’s business
Whenever we hear diversity, we think of inclusion in society, non-discrimination regardless of race or gender. Diversity should be everyone’s business, not necessarily a 24/7 9-5 workday, but it at least should be at the center of awareness of every individual out there, be it office workers, construction employees, university students or professors, to media, and even those who make our offices and our schools clean – the cleaners.
And yet, it is still a widespread issue in all corners of society across the world.
Let’s take Australia for example.
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, in 2018, 23% of women and 16% of men have experienced sexual harassment at work in Australia. But in a comprehensive research study by the Australian Human Rights Commission last year, it was found that 71% of Australians had been sexually harassed at some point in their lives – women (at 85%) far more likely to experience it than men (at 56%). And, often, men were the perpetrators (let’s be honest guys and agree that as men we are prone to this sort of behaviour against women). Yes, women can be beautiful, intelligent, but they need to be respected as individuals and not objectified based on superficial “looks”.
Understand that Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country and we are home to one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, as well as Australians who identify with more than 270 ancestries.
We should not have to deal with this, but sadly it is the reality.
Everyone deserves a fair go and certainly we are starting to see that change both in the workplace, in sports and in the legal arena.
In terms of the workplace, many companies are beginning to realise the importance of inclusion and no doubt that women deserve better remuneration for the same amount of work they give as men do.
In terms of sport where the disabled are given a fair chance of representing Austrralia in the Special Olympics 2019 held in Abu Dhabi and letting the world know that a handicap will not impede their potential. Quoting Martina Navratilova who is a Czechoslovak-born American former professional tennis player, “Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do Just one thing well you’re needed by someone.”
In terms of the legal arena, the recent legalisation for same-sex marriage is another strong example of the change in diversity in Australian history. Whilst yes there are members of the community and certainly in the country who may despise this sort of behaviour, but human rights are human rights and we should all respect the UN Declaration. After all it has given us a life, a voice and ability to pursue our goals and dreams.
Business is business, but let’s be real – our rights matter even more and every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity and gender, should be respected for who they are and the ideals and values they represent.
Keep in mind the next time you engage in a group discussion whether it is a work meeting or casual drinks at a local bar, to be mindful of what you say. As demonstrated in a TV advertisement that was circulating last year, it only takes a few seconds of non-activity for sexual harassment to do harm and it doesn’t need to be physical.
Article written by Ausbert She
This article appeared in the Torts Illustrated Diversity (2019) Publication