Diversity: The quality of being diverse, different, varied; variety; multiplicity.
What could be more diverse than the people of a country? How can national unity be maintained without respecting individual freedoms and including different groups in decision-making? How can public policies be developed in a country with so many nuances and differences without listening to the most diverse social actors?
There are several reasons to defend diversity and inclusion. The very maintenance of democracy, for example, guaranteeing representation and space for the diverse groups that make up the national community. Social justice, by ensuring equity and equality for groups that have historically suffered prejudice, such as women, Black people, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Better results from public policies as well: when different points of view are taken into account, there is a greater chance of a more assertive and effective public policy.
“We need people who think differently, groups that can show different facets of the same problem and the same solution,” says Renata Malheiros, national coordinator of Sebrae Delas.
Furthermore, the importance of diversity is not limited to the public sector. It is no longer a secret that organizations that value an inclusive environment and diversity in their teams, from entry-level positions to the presidency, are more competitive and achieve better results.Diversity and inclusion are the raw materials for innovation. And innovation, in turn, is the raw material for competitiveness.“Renata emphasizes.
We know that interacting with people of different backgrounds can lead to encountering deeply ingrained societal concepts, such as unconscious biases and cultural prejudices. However, it is this interaction that allows for the breaking down of these limiting beliefs and enables greater learning and personal growth.
Furthermore, Renata Malheiros points out: "the chance that, at the end of the day, this group will have a solution that works for the world out there, which by definition is plural, heterogeneous, where we have white people, black people, people with disabilities and people of diverse sexual orientations, is much greater."
IDP is diverse.
Being an engaged institution means having people who are aware of the importance of the cause, at all levels of participation. At IDP, directors, teachers, and staff know that diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of our educational approach.
Therefore, throughout the month of June, IDP sponsored the Brasília Cidade Orgulho (Brasília Pride City) campaign. “Campaigns like this are very relevant to our academic community and are aligned with…” Everything we are as an institution: pluralistic, democratic, and welcoming.”, comments Lahis Rosa, growth product manager at IDP.
"Having this belief in the project on the part of IDP was fundamental. It's a demonstration of commitment to diversity, of understanding that..." It's important to support initiatives that address citizenship and respect.“This is a testament to the pride of the community,” says Welton Trindade, co-coordinator of the Brasília Orgulho collective, responsible for the campaign, the festival of the same name, and the organization of the LGBT Pride Parade in the city.
The collective colored several points in Brasília in allusion to LGBTQIA+ Pride, celebrated internationally on June 28th. The urban intervention is unprecedented in Latin America and painted the largest rainbow track in Brazil, measuring 78m, in Parque da Cidade.
He also colored the staircase of the TV Tower – which even served as a stage for a wedding – and made the largest projection on a building, illuminating the National Congress with the colors of the LGBTQIA+ pride flag.
The LGBTQIA+ pride demonstration had to take place in this way because, for the second time, the event occurred during a pandemic – according to Welton, the LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade is the largest gathering that takes place in the city, with the participation of 120 people.
"Diversity is not created, it is recognized and valued."
The statement is from Welton Trindade, who continues: "Society is diverse in all aspects." When you work, value, and acknowledge it, you become richer.It is within this multiplicity and plurality that new ideas, different points of view, and possibilities emerge.
For Lahis Rosa, “with diversity we gain the chance to building a more beautiful, more collaborative future...that they can see others through their similarities and not just their differences, recognizing our capacity to live in a collective environment without the barriers of individualism."
We are here building tomorrow. Far beyond technical and scientific knowledge, we train professionals who are aware of their role in society. And if you live in society, you live with diversity. Recognizing it is being prepared for life. Valuing and defending it is empowering and impacting the entire social collective.
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. But the time for respect is always.
