Equality and diversity eLearning: Bridging the gap in understanding
Most of us have a relatively clear grasp of the concepts of Equality and Diversity In isolation, they make a lot of sense and we can embrace them positively and constructively as valuable ideas However, even when things make sense, often this is not enough to propel us towards effective utilisation of these concepts towards achieving our goals and sustainable progress.
We also need deep insight into how independent concepts link together to get results Equality and diversity eLearning will give us this appreciation and surface the cause-and-effect variables that operate within and between them.
The key to unlocking insights is developing our understanding Understanding is a skill that can assist us to predict what emotional, psychological, and behavioural responses people might have in certain situations, and most importantly, why.
Getting to the core
Understanding is closely associated with maturity and emotional intelligence, which are important components of diversity and inclusion eLearning awareness stimulation The focus has to be on understanding, as once we have a better grasp of how others might feel or think, this will impact our decisions on how to interact with them
In addition, we will also understand why environmental conditions also need to be addressed to allow relationships to flourish and grow constructively
When we practise diversity, we endeavour to involve people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and different genders, sexual orientations, etc This is a noble pursuit However, unless we recognise and acknowledge diverse people require, desire, and deserve equality too, we will have done them a disservice
In addition, the practice of involvement itself is unlikely to have the degree or quality of impact that does this pursuit justice Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities We must demonstrate we support diversity fundamentally by ensuring also that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.
People should not have unequal life chances because of where they come from, their beliefs, or various characteristics such as sex or sexual orientation If we are serious about diversity, we have to
be serious about equality too by prohibiting discrimination, harassment, or victimisation of diverse individuals and groups. They simply go hand in hand.
Online diversity training builds our empathy for others, including the challenges they face This invariably will propel us to be greater champions of equality for this reason. Online diversity training also encourages us to watch and listen to truly appreciate what others are faced with or going through As we tune in more to others that are diverse from us and we begin to more fully appreciate their world, this process of developing understanding turns to a growth in compassion and a stronger sense of right and wrong
Adding meaning and momentum
Bridging the gaps in understanding during equality and diversity eLearning is also essential, as when things are meaningfully understood, they are retained by us much longer There is a compound effect. Understanding creates a further understanding of even more complex issues and dynamics.
Especially when it comes to human relationships and connections, there is no substitute for appreciating how different concepts are entwined and how they must be unravelled to make real progress.
Understanding how different things affect each other also invariably allows us to become more creative in our solutions to problems and free us to be exploratory
Maya Angelou put it nicely in the following observations: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour ”
It is this type of thinking that will lead us to appreciate the importance of equality in optimising the ability and chances of everyone contributing their maximum It adds to the overall worth of the end product
Equality and diversity eLearning will lead us to appreciate further many aspects of diversity and inclusion eLearning and beyond this, the necessity for equity too We will not have completed the picture until we have a requisite level of understanding of all concepts and how they are associated
It is vital to cross each bridge systematically Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome Plus, equity is a solution for addressing imbalanced social systems
The final destination is justice for all, as justice takes equity to higher levels by fixing the system in a way that leads to long-term, sustainable equitable access for generations to come
As we tie all the gaps in our knowledge together through increased understanding, we will have achieved the greater wisdom necessary to navigate our way forward ethically and with pure intent.
