Today I'm so happy for a number of reasons. Today is also special because it is the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century! My reason for starting this post is more driven by my ambition to be inclusive and accessible in all forms of content that I present to my readers. My blog is screen-reader compatible and I'm beginning to take steps to provide image information, Alt Texts in all future posts. I'm also trying to focus on the good things like being centered around how diversity is thriving in our world. Haha, no confusion there the topics I am covering today may not be the most talked-about or the most recent but definitely, they are worth pondering over, and yes, the focus is on what's working, What is good. What is joyful. You know what-sparks-joy kind of think not focusing on the bad. It doesn't mean we want to brush what's not good and what's not working under the carpet, but it definitely means * since I believe like attracts like *, so good will definitely attract more good so here I am with all the goodness to offer in the inclusion and diversity world.
As I was recording this podcast #inauguration2021 was underway. The world was tuned in to witness Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sworn-in and become the President and Vice President of the United States of America on 20th January. This is a big deal for Diversity. It is huge for women everywhere. It is huge for black women. It is huge for Indian women. It is huge for immigrant parents & descendants of immigrant parents.
Madam vice president, Kamala Harris has made it to the Vogue cover. She looks absolutely stunning. Why does this piece make it to the top of the list on this podcast because it's about representation because not just the US, I am too looking forward to the new leadership in the White House? It is said "to whom much is given much is required" and I believe the responsibilities of the Oval Office of the vice president will be handled with fortitude, wisdom, and grace. I digress a bit here, I know. So here goes the real reason why she makes it to the top of my list on this podcast is that having Kamala Harris as Vice President is a testament not just to her capabilities, experience, and skillset, for being the right person for the job but also let us not forget that she stands as a role model for many young women who now have yet another hero to look up to and learn from.
Now some positive news from a country led by another woman of substance Jacinda Arden, New Zealand:
Zeena Ali becomes first New Zealand police officer to wear hijab as Official Uniform
Companies need to understand that they can't get away with unethical behavior and treating employees like disposable assets. Why are Unions important?
Hundreds of Google Employees Unionize,
Culminating Years of Activism
Let me bring some color to the convo. Pantone released the colors of the year 2021. However, I am giving a shout-out to their newly launched shade of red which is called period red to be more precise which has been launched to combat the stigma attached to menstruation.
ANNOUNCING THE PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2021
PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating
A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.
Another positive news comes from the land of the Rising Sun. Japan. Japan Airlines is stopping using gender terms, like ladies and gentlemen during in-flight and Airport announcements.
Japan Airlines ditches 'ladies and gentlemen' for gender-neutral greetings
Next, research has shown that online harassment can have devastating psychological effects on women. Also highlighted by an Amnesty International poll conducted in 2017. This is a shoutout to Ms. Nayak, a computer science professor at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia who has developed a new algorithm that can automatically spot and report misogynist posts on social media platforms.
Dr. Richi Nayak On Developing An Algorithm That Weeds Out Misogyny Online
So before I wrap up the post, I'd also like to give a shout-out to a wave of inclusion we are seeing in the Fashion World. While some leading fashion weeks around the world are welcoming diverse models on the runways and in the print in the most widely circulated fashion magazines something that we have covered in a blog extensively.
Vogue sets a New Stereotype Shattering "Dench-Mark"
It's raining.... Diverse Covers this season!
I recently got a press release from FDCI which is the Fashion Design Council of India with their upcoming model hunt called #getnoticed. Interestingly it is breaking the mold of perceived perfection. The model Hunt is very inclusive inviting participation from regular, petite to plus size, and transgender models where everyone would be welcome. This also reminds me of the big thrust by International Brands like Kurt Geiger. They also launched a new inclusive campaign featuring diverse models who have been underrepresented in the fashion industry leading with amputee and cancer survivor Bernadette Hagen's as its first face.
People Empowered: Bernadette
-Amit Anand
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