FROM THE DESK OF THE FOUNDER Welcome to the inaugural issue of our DEI in the Global South digital magazine. As you go through the different sections, you will find a wide selection of articles, stories, lessons and perspectives from a diversity of people in the Global South
The rationale behind the magazine The objective of this publication is to offer a platform that curates ideas, information and lessons that can be exchanged amongst practitioners while advancing work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within our respective countries. More specifically, it will highlight the work that is taking place across countries in the Global South nations. Many case studies, models and perspectives of DEI are of work undertaken by countries in the Global North. Additionally, numerous research papers and publications on the topic tend to reference academics who are based in the Global North - yet there is a substantial body of knowledge from leaders of organisations, practitioners and academics from the regions of Africa, Asia and Latin American whose work has not been fully explored and acknowledged. I have been working in the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Transformation (DEIT) for over two decades, during which my focus has expanded towards a belief in ‘Whole System Culture Change’. This is a result of the appreciation that an effective and impactful DEI strategy must go beyond workshops and commemoration of certain events, such as Youth Day, International Women’s Day, Disability Day, etc. Additionally, it has always been my intention to learn about global perspectives rather than being insular in my thinking and practice. I consider Mandate Molefi fortunate that it has forged a global footprint that compels us to constantly seek ways of improving our understanding, and be globally aware while remaining relevant to locally based businesses. My hope is that this magazine will attract submissions from the broader Global South. The reason this inaugural issue focuses on leaders and stories from South Africa is, firstly, because the country has many stories and models of DEI from its history with apartheid and postdemocracy transition. Secondly, from this, we can locate common threads that are relevant across the Global South. This edition features leaders who I have personally worked alongside, whom are constantly seeking innovative ways of practicing their craft and have successfully navigated the complex terrain of creating diverse, equitable and inclusive societies where all can thrive. The next issue will feature work done in countries such as Botswana, Kenya, Pakistan and India, and will again focus on leaders, practitioners or organisations that my global network and team have firsthand experience with.
DEI in the Global South | Edition 1
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