Going beyond DEI workshops and one-off sessions, The SMC Group designed a JEDI+ programme that has evolved into a pillar of my work.
I hope it can complement our work to support the PMEL support we provide NGOs, to build better organizations as a whole rather than the PMEL department being the only space where feminist or participatory values are present. I realized that real, sustainable change wouldn’t happen until the entire NGO believes in these values since I have been spending a lot of time convincing senior leadership or Board members of the need to invest in staff, training, and tools for PMEL. So why not take the next step and work to build more responsive, effective, and representative NGOs?
JEDI+ stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, with the “+” signifying additional values that reflect our commitment to a more comprehensive and transformative approach.
Participatory
Everyone deserves an equitable voice. Participation advocates for empowering individuals and communities by involving them in decision-making processes that impact their lives – and being at the centre of these decisions. In a participatory society, power is decentralized, and diverse perspectives are actively sought and respected.
By embracing participatory values, institutions can foster inclusivity, accountability, and innovation. This approach ensures that policies and initiatives consider different peoples’ unique needs and experiences. Participatory processes are not only about representation but also about creating environments where all voices are heard and valued, regardless of social status, race, gender, or other identifiers.
Intersectional
Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals possess multiple social identities that intersect and interact, shaping their experiences uniquely and complexly. Kimberlé Crenshaw originally coined the concept to address the limitations of single-axis frameworks in understanding discrimination and oppression.
An intersectional approach seeks to recognize and address the interconnected nature of various forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, ableism, and more. It encourages us to consider how different identities combine and influence one another, leading to overlapping and compounded forms of privilege or marginalization.
By adopting an intersectional lens, we can identify and dismantle systemic barriers, address bias, and ensure that policies and practices cater to the needs of diverse communities. It paves the way for a more inclusive and holistic understanding of social justice.
Decolonized
Decolonization calls for a critical examination of historical and ongoing colonial legacies that continue to shape our institutions, policies, and perspectives. It challenges us to unlearn dominant narratives and systems of power that perpetuate oppression and marginalization.
Decolonization involves re-centring Indigenous and local knowledge, culture, and practices suppressed or undermined by colonial forces. It recognizes the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and aims to restore the dignity and agency that colonialism has often denied them. It’s about restorative justice and undoing historical harm.
By embracing a decolonized approach, societies can move towards reconciliation, healing, and justice. It is a transformative journey that requires humility, active listening, and a commitment to dismantling oppressive structures perpetuating colonial attitudes.
Incorporating JEDI+ values—participatory, intersectional, and decolonized—into our personal lives, institutions, and broader society is a profound step towards building a more just and equitable world. By empowering marginalized voices, recognizing intersectional identities, and challenging colonial legacies, we can foster inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated and equity is upheld.
Embracing these values is a moral imperative and a collective responsibility that will shape marginalised and more harmonious future for generations to come.
