Sessions

Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. An inclusive organization promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members. In Africa, there are 54 countries where different languages are spoken. Yet, because most citizens are of the same race, there is an assumption that everyone is similar. In South Africa alone, there are 11 different official tribes and languages, so by nature, there is diversity. Like the rest of the world, there is a struggle for inclusion, but citizens have found common denominators and ways to make organizational cultures comfortable for all. The session offers an African perspective to inclusivity and recommendations on how to approach D&I from a global perspective.