Equity Pause: Reflecting on Inclusion and Mitigating Exclusion
Introduction
At JRNY Consulting, we've found the importance of engaging in discussions about ‘red lines’ or non-negotiable boundaries within our work. Interestingly, we've often spontaneously had these discussions, underlining the need for more deliberate dialogue. We believe in the consistent necessity of posing challenging questions that spur introspection and keep us aligned with our core principles and values.
The 'Equity Pause' is our intentional moment during any project, research, or evaluation to ensure our actions align with our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity. It allows us to voice unasked questions, tackle the uncomfortable, and consciously address what may otherwise be overlooked.
Four Key Questions
In our Equity Pauses, we address four key questions:
What perspectives or voices have been/may be excluded?
How are/or might we reinforce inequalities?
How are we moving towards more and improved equity and inclusion?
How can we challenge our assumptions and biases?
By asking these questions, we actively reflect our feminist principles, enabling us to embed inclusivity and equity into our work more effectively.
Importantly, these Equity Pauses should be incorporated at all stages of a project, research, or evaluation - not just at the beginning. This ongoing commitment allows us to challenge our assumptions and biases continually. The frequency of these check-ins enables us to balance the urgency of a timeline, which often stands in direct contradiction to the level of participation sought through our feminist principles and values.
The “Stinky Fish”
Another critical exercise we often employ is the "Stinky Fish." The metaphor here is potent — if you leave a problem (the metaphorical fish) unaddressed, it will start to stink. This exercise frequently uncovers fears or concerns, prompting us to reassess our process, adjust our approach, and sometimes redefine our objectives.
Of course, bringing issues to light is only one part of the process. The equally significant analytical stage that follows - addressing 'So what?' and 'Now what?' demands thoughtful consideration.
The Equity Pause is a powerful tool for maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and equity. Embracing it requires an appreciation for frank dialogue, the bravery to confront uncomfortable truths, and a willingness to dedicate time to analysing and understanding these truths. We encourage our partners to take on this practice, which profoundly influences our work and interactions.
Things we mention:
journey to transformation podcast.