It will not have escaped your attention: it is Diversity week. The highlight was last Tuesday, Diversity Day. The day on which we celebrate that diversity adds something for everyone. And therefore also the day to discuss the steps that are being taken here and there to truly embed diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And of course about what could be improved.

Please note: this article was translated using a translator app

During Diversity Week, we from Refugee Talent Hub were present with various colleagues at events organized by ten of our partners - from the Ministry of the Interior to Essent and from Shell to TwynstraGudde. The personal experiences and inspiring stories that were shared made the meetings very valuable. Meeting and connecting, that's what we do it for!

The need for Diversity week

 Last week we read an interesting article by the keynote speaker of our 2022 public event : Joris Luyendijk. Last year he published his book 'The Seven Checkers'. A book in which he describes how the image of self, humanity and society is influenced by whether you fall within or outside 'the norm'. It turns out: only 3% of the population has seven check marks, but that 3% largely determines how the Netherlands works.* The white, middle-aged straight man has come to symbolize this 'seven check mark'.

 In the Financieele Dagblad, Luyendijk argued last week that Diversity Week is apparently still necessary. Because “if diversity and inclusion were really considered so important, more white straight men with power would appear at meetings and training sessions. (…) The problem is that at lectures I mainly see employees with different ticks than myself: women, people of color, LGBTI people... However, I am usually introduced by a seven-checker. That's the boss.”

White straight men as an ally

 Diversity and inclusion is about everyone. It would be an “understandable, but costly mistake” if white men had to keep their mouths shut and say nothing about diversity. After all: everyone must be given plenty of space. Only then will we achieve balance.

 Luyendijk: “Diversity and inclusion is not about everyone being allowed to become like the seven-fingers. It is precisely about the dismantling of the norm that seven-finches embody – literally and figuratively. (…) White straight men make up 40% of the Dutch population. How can the battle for equal development opportunities ever be won without – at least part of – this bloc as a thinker, supporter, ally?”

 Fortunately, in our work at Refugee Talent Hub, we encounter many seven-fingers (and other white men) who are taking action. And many companies where everyone is involved in diversity and inclusion. Keep doing that!

 Read the full article .

 *Order it at your local bookstore: The Seven Checkmarks