Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Dialogue On Faith

REFLECTIONS ON FAITH  

It is said that every day is a learning opportunity and process. On Wednesday, May 26th, we had the pleasure to dialogue about faith looking at it from the perspective of diversity, equity and inclusion, and insights on how our respective faiths are supportive of our vision of Everyone a Changemaker world. 

The dialogue on Faith and DEI introduced some of the most thought-provoking perspectives in constructing our identity, how these influence our views in terms of diversity and alignment with Everyone a Changemaker world vision. While there is a lot, we learnt from each other during the 60-minute session, here are a few insights we picked. 

Appreciate the diverse heritage in our names

The dialogue shines a spotlight on a dimension of identity easily ignored but which, somehow, forms the basis of our primary construct of self as human beings -our name. We firmly believe that the meaning of our names, the significance we attach to the names is important because it communicates a unique heritage and/or experience. Therefore, the beginning of our construction of identity. Our names speak to the inheritance which contributes to our worldview and how we view ourselves. For instance, in this case, Ruth and Zahra are central figures in stories in the Bible and Hadith to the extent that we identify with the characters in terms of selflessness and resilience, respectively.

Christianity and Islam support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Through various texts and teachings from Islam and Christianity, we can confidently say that the two faiths champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Christians are taught from a young age and encouraged as they grow up to not discriminate and to treat everyone fairly and with compassion. This is an example and a practice that was set by Jesus through his actions, his teachings, his numerous parables and most importantly through the second greatest commandment found in Matthew 22:39 ‘‘Love your neighbour as yourself". This is similar in Islam where believers are encouraged both in the Quran and Hadeeth to portray a spirit of brotherhood towards one another despite there being differences in ethnicity, race, tribes, and faith. In a Hadeeth recorded by both Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said that “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself”. This is emphasized in the Quran chapter 49, verse 13: “O mankind, we have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Aware”.

Religious doctrines and teachings Nuanced societal traditions norms

A common misconception about Christianity and Islam is that they are biased against women and certain people. However, what we see from the scriptures and the doctrines of the two faiths paint a different picture. For instance, in Islam, it is clearly articulated that both men and women are viewed to be equal, with the best among us being those who advocate for good in society. In chapter 4 of the Quran, verse 124 Allah says,” And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer, such will enter Paradise and not the least of injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date-stone will be done to them”. The Bible also state that men and women are created equal in God’s image. This can be seen in the letters written by St Paul in Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” It is unfortunate that religion, has been misunderstood and misinterpreted as being discriminatory or ‘supportive” or discriminative traditions yet this is just but the influence of the social context in which religion is practised. It is fundamental to fully understand the full context of religion which shows a completely different narrative with the rights of both men and women well outlined, with emphasis on diversity, equality and inclusion of mankind.

Conclusion

As the DEI efforts gain momentum at Ashoka at the organizational level, we call on everyone to raise their level of awareness around DEI issues. Often, it is the biases and prejudices we don’t know we have that manifest in our speech, actions then become ingrained as a strong belief which can easily translate into an anti-DEI culture. As the old saying goes, “action speaks louder than words”, we believe that it is not in what we individually say about embracing DEI, but it is in what we do, and this is empowering. This is our small contribution to the DEI efforts and our way of raising our awareness around these issues at Ashoka East Africa.  

Comments from the session

“Great initiative team EA. Ruth and Zahra, I have to commend you for your willingness to lead such a sensitive topic. Even though we all come from diverse backgrounds or religions, we are all spirituality connected with very similar experiences. Conversations like this allow teammates to learn and open up to each other's perspectives” - Sarah Mujulizi, Communication Lead Ashoka Africa  

"It was a great exercise that should be continued. An interesting session that allowed me to know better the multicultural and religious environment within Ashoka but especially to know that this multicultural and religious environment is not felt in our daily work."-Abdoul Aziz Soumare, Fellowship & Changemakers Community Manager, Sahel

“Be open mind in a globalized world by accepting and respecting others in their culture and belief Most important thing is staying focus on what makes us human beings.” - Tchanlandjou Kpare, Regional Venture & Youth Programs Manager, Sahel

“The session helped me realize that EACH could serve as an avenue to manifest one's faith no matter their religion.” - Ifeyinwa Egwaoje, Venture/Fellowship and Integration, AWA

“The dialogue gave me an opportunity to understand the role of religion in building an Everyone a changemaker world’ and how we can create a safe environment for everyone by going beyond misconceptions. It was a good opportunity to learn and connect with colleagues.” Bryan Chesoli, Making More Health LLC Consultant and Youth Years Lead, East Africa

“My key learning was that the Bible and Quaran are quite similar as far as the teachings are concerned. My observation during the learning lunch is the enthusiasm with which the different teams within Ashoka Africa Diamond are when it comes to building on team culture” Arnold Otieno, Changemaker Map and MERL Lead

“I learned that there are more similarities in our perceived differences. The best way for us to realize it and bridge the gap is to hold conversations. Only then will we realize that we are driven by the same beliefs, the only difference being the way they are delivered.” Jedidah Muthui, Digital Content Manager, Changemakers

We welcome your thoughts, questions and comments about this article. Please email us. rsoi@ashoka.  [email protected].