Remain inclusive

I learnt the lesson of inclusivity in the process of living in India, especially Mumbai. The city of Mumbai welcomes everyone and never judges anyone on any aspect of their lives. In a local train in Mumbai, one can see housewives chopping vegetables while CEOs discuss the vision and mission of their companies.

We all become better people by accepting each other as everyone has something to learn from each other. This is all great places, be it Mumbai or a tiny village somewhere in the world remains accepting of everyone, thereby becoming inclusive. This is not a saying  but something we need to follow as part of our lives. Often, simple things are the most difficult things to make a part of our lives and inclusivity is one of these things.

Even a functioning family needs to be inclusive of all to remain a happy place. This is again something we all can learn from India, especially Mumbai. No matter how people are and where they come from, everyone addresses each others’ challenges together. They happen automatically as they have always been  inclusive.

Remaining inclusive, whether in a social, professional, or community setting, involves fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and welcomed. Here are some key principles to practice inclusivity:

1. Listen and Empathize

• Active listening: Pay attention to the perspectives and experiences of others without judgment.

• Empathy: Seek to understand others' feelings and experiences, especially those different from your own.

2. Acknowledge and Celebrate Diversity

• Recognize that people have different backgrounds, cultures, abilities, gender identities, and experiences.

• Celebrate this diversity through your actions, language, and by creating opportunities to highlight diverse voices.

3. Use Inclusive Language

• Avoid assumptions about gender, cultural backgrounds, or abilities.

• Use gender-neutral pronouns (e.g., “they” instead of “he” or “she”) when appropriate, and respect individuals’ preferred pronouns.

• Avoid stereotypes or harmful terms.

4. Ensure Equal Participation

• Actively invite contributions from everyone, especially those who might be quieter or feel less confident in speaking up.

• Make environments  such that everyone can be heard, for instance by using round-robin discussions or anonymous input channels.

5. Educate Yourself on Bias

• Be aware of unconscious biases that may influence your thoughts or actions.

• Challenge stereotypes and avoid microaggressions, which can subtly harm others.

6. Be Open to Feedback

• If someone tells you that a behavior or comment was exclusionary, accept the feedback with openness, and learn from it without becoming defensive.

• Make an atmosphere where people feel safe to speak up about issues of inclusion.

7. Adapt to Diverse Needs

• Recognize that people may have different needs, such as physical accommodations, language differences, or flexibility for religious practices.

• Provide tools, resources, and environments that allow people to contribute fully and comfortably.

8. Support Underrepresented Groups

• Advocate for marginalized or underrepresented groups.

• Actively work to create opportunities for them and challenge systems of inequality.

By continuously reflecting on these actions and working to improve, you can create a more inclusive space for everyone.

By Jamuna Rangachari