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Diversity refers to the inclusion of people from all walks of life. It is a source of innovation, and provides the glue that keeps our society together. Inclusion of all different backgrounds and viewpoints, is essential to tackle global and local challenges facing today’s society.
We have created the #DiversityChallengeNOW, in celebration of Dutch Diversity Day in The Netherlands on October 5th, 2022. Join us wherever you are by going the extra mile for Diversity & Inclusion!
Decide how many kilometres you want to walk, run or drive in a human powered vehicle in the week leading up to between September 24th and Diversity Day on October 5th.
Create, download and print your personal bib below (privacy note: No personal details in any form will be stored after you have created and downloaded your bib)
Share your participation and progress by posting photos with #DiversityChallengeNOW
on your social media.
Decide how many kilometres you want to walk, run or drive in a human powered vehicle in the week leading up to between September 24th and Diversity Day on October 5th.
Create, download and print your personal bib below (privacy note: No personal details in any form will be stored after you have created and downloaded your bib)
Share your participation and progress by posting photos with #DiversityChallengeNOW on your social media.
*Privacy note: No personal details will be retained once you have left this website.
The Diversity Challenge is an initiative by the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
of Rotary Club Hilversum International in The Netherlands.
Our Goals:
Infused with our club moto “Bridging cultures, building communities” we are a service club with each member holding a strong desire to make a difference in this world by doing good for humanity and helping our society both locally and internationally.
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Rotary International has a DEI board since 2020. It is actively working on delivering DEI programs and encourages clubs to embrace DEI on a personal and club level.
I care about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion because I believe it is fair, the right thing to do and the world would be a better place if both gender and people from diverse backgrounds are treated with respect, in a world without bias and systematic challenges, able to contribute and rewarded equally, using their strengths and talent.
After completing an Executive Gender Diversity program, my eyes opened for unconscious bias and systematic challenges. We are all connected and I strongly believe we need more awareness about unconscious bias, we are all biased and this often leads to wrong assumptions and judgement resulting in exclusion and/or unfairness.
As an executive coach I work with female and culturally diverse leaders and teams, focusing on Leadership Development and Gender & Cultural Diversity in organizations. I very much enjoy bringing my experience and knowledge to Rotary to foster DEI, supporting ROTARY to become more aware and inclusive for all.
While decision making and moving forward may be slowed down and the process is experienced perhaps as more challenging by inviting all concerned to the table, the solutions generated that way far outperform. Research proves that time and time again in all important aspects of life.
The Dutch have a cultural history of stakeholder involvement, called ‘polder-methodology’, after its process for devising its world renowned water management system (in a country that lies many meters under sea level).
No people, country or culture ought to be left out in these challenging times, be it in fighting Covid, sea levels, droughts or any other matter. We are all connected and each of us has a significant responsibility and role to play in finding a good balance. Tolerance and mutual respect towards each other and the world around us, are the bedrock of true civilisation.
DEI is an important part of the process and hence I am a staunch advocate and supporter.
Diversity,Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a fundamental cornerstone of our society. The world population is incredibly Diverse, but it is only when we add Equity and Inclusion that we get great outcomes.
We need each other more than ever to solve the challenges facing our planet. In my daily work I experience every day how productive and creative diverse teams can be, and how rewarding, and challenging at the same time, it is to make it work.
DEI starts with facing your own preconceptions, open up to the world of others, invite and let yourself be invited to be part of it. Easier said than done. That’s why we need to work on it every day, and why our Rotary DEI committee is so important. I am proud to be part of it.
I believe Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is realistically actionable when we can cultivate a worldview of you & me, not you or me”.
There is so much more infinite contribution and meaning to life because of this natural view. I am inspired & reminded of this perspective in life by the simple principle, “sum of all is greater than one”.
I am excited to be on the journey with our DEI Committee to support ROTARY’s commitment to embrace DEI as a natural culture across Rotary.
THANK YOU for your Support!
