“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou
As we move towards the 21st of March when we will celebrate World Social Work Day when we celebrate Diversity, we look forward to the opportunity to take time out to embrace the diversity within our workplace and in our roles as Social Work Practitioners.
For me the following definition/explanation encompasses the meaning of diversity so well:
‘Diversity is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, which include race, ethnic origin and color, religion and creed, sexual orientation, age and ability, to name but a few. As ever-evolving creatures in an ever-changing world, the innumerable aspects of our humanity — all our ways of being, knowing and moving through the world — are contained in this one concept.’
Diversity is about recognizing the benefits of different values, abilities and perspectives and embracing people’s differences. Promoting an environment that welcomes and values diverse backgrounds, thinking, skills and experience.
We are not strangers to the concept of diversity in South Africa and as Social Work Practitioners, but we do sometimes forget the privilege and responsibility that it places upon us when we work in a profession where we should be the flag bearers and leaders in ensuring that we all embrace and celebrate diversity in the workplace not just once a year but every day.
Diversity is crucial in assuring that we can understand each other in deeper ways that help keep us humble and open to the fact that the world does not only revolve around our beliefs. It can help develop us into better people, as it increases our understanding of human nature. The importance of diversity itself can benefit us in all aspects of our lives.
We are confronted with various situations, people, and personalities every day. The nature of our work calls for engagement with people from all social, political, economic, and even religious backgrounds in an attempt to improve the well-being of a community.
Clients may speak a different language, have difficulty communicating in other ways, or have a cultural background that is completely unfamiliar to us. As such, a successful practitioner fundamental belief is to embrace diversity, so that they may provide the best care and service for all clients.
It is therefore paramount that we develop cultural competence. Being culturally competent means understanding the unique cultural, language, social, and economic intricacies of individual people and families.
Culturally competent practitioners and organisations recognize problematic situations and inequitable societal limits, overcome language obstacles, and comprehend the nuances of family relationships among ethnic groups.
Understanding differences in self and others is important to help us be sure that we respect difference whilst challenging discrimination and oppression and always challenge cultural assumptions.
It is therefore paramount that we develop cultural competence. Being culturally competent means understanding the unique cultural, language, social, and economic intricacies of individual people and families.
Culturally competent practitioners and organisations recognize problematic situations and inequitable societal limits, overcome language obstacles, and comprehend the nuances of family relationships among ethnic groups.
Knowledge is the key to tolerance.
- It helps us to gain a new perspective on the lives of others around you as well as around the world.
- Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us.
- To understand other’s perspectives, to broaden our own, and to fully experience and educate ourselves.
- Through each other’s diversity, we become more aware of our own. Not only do we become more aware, we gain a sense of pride for the diversity of our own culture.
- It’s energizing and thought provoking. Do not isolate yourself as it will take away the opportunity to reflect and learn from the diverse people we have around us.
What can we do every day to celebrate Diversity in the work place but also in our personal lives?
1. Be considerate to everyone
- The point of celebrating diversity is to respect and appreciate everyone, no matter where they come from or the color of their skin.
- Treating people with an equal amount of respect and consideration is what makes it work and doing so creates a better world for all.
2. Listen to people from other cultures
- If you have colleagues or coworkers who feel like their concerns are not being heard, listen to what they have to say, and help them get their points across to those who have trouble listening.
- If we can foster more inclusive work or social environments, then we are one step closer to achieving global harmony.
3. Learn more about different cultures and lifestyles
- Most of the problems in the world come from a lack of understanding and empathy for different cultures. Interacting with other cultures or those living different lifestyles than yours can help eradicate those misunderstandings.
What are you going to do in your office to ensure you celebrate and embrace the diversity of the workforce?
What about hosting an International Food Day?
- each employee brings their favorite dish from their heritage to foster deeper connections.
- make the event as engaging as possible, we suggest having teams taste each other’s dishes in blindfolded competitions. Guessing the country or culture of origin can add an extra layer of fun to your event.
Set Up a Language Class
- offering your employees, the chance to learn a new language can give them insight into a different culture and way of life that they may not otherwise be exposed to.
- host a quick language session as part of your diversity and inclusion events, where employees will be able to learn the basics of how to greet people in at least one different language.
Let’s make sure that we embrace and celebrate diversity every day in the workplace and in our own lives.
Remember that:
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” – Stephen Covey:
“No matter who we are or what we look like or what we may believe, it is both possible and, more importantly, it becomes powerful to come together in common purpose and common effort.” – Oprah Winfrey
Written by Kathleen Prinsloo, Badisa Manager: Social Work Services in Boland region
