The Advance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Corporate World

Although the topic has been discussed for a long time, in practice,e we have only seen some advances in recent years with intentional transformation actions and direct positioning of great leaders in the corporate world. As the means of communication bring different realities closer together through the evolution and popularization of technology, conversations on previously undiscussed issues are now present in homes, schools, companies, and society in general.

Dialogue often happens without basis in deep knowledge of the reality, of those who are marginalized, by a prejudiced system (communities that are not always minorities), like in the case of Brazil. We are the 5th largest country in the world, where approximately 56 percent of the population consists of black people, and this representation does not happen in different segments of society such as leadership positions in companies or in politics or others. The same goes for women, who represent around 52 percent of the population here.

This dialogue demands knowledge, the dissemination of knowledge brings awareness, and awareness is capable of generating actions that transform reality. A conscious society acts and makes the main actors of this diversity, equity, and inclusion movement act in public and private initiatives. In companies all over the world, the representativeness of the society where they operate, in their internal staff, and in making strategic decisions, is a strength that connects with their customers and consumers, making diversity, equity, and inclusion a factor of business sustainability. It is no surprise that great economists and business leaders have brought up this theme so vocally in recent times.

“In companies all over the world, the representativeness of the society where they operate, in their internal staff, and in making strategic decisions, is a strength that connects with their customers and consumers, making diversity, equity, and inclusion a factor of business sustainability.”

Large companies already include DE&I in their strategic business plan with investments and goals that go beyond internal actions to attract, develop, and retain talent, and not just CVs. They also include in their plans actions that can cause a positive impact externally involving society in general, such as, supporting youth access programs to the work market with training and development. Also, investing in micro and medium entrepreneurs, disseminating knowledge and involvement through brand campaigns, among others.

I believe that there is a positive intention to accelerate this journey in companies, and we are moving forward. Perhaps not yet at the speed we would like and need to, but we are heading in the right direction, where according to Professor Edson Cardoso's phrase "Diversity is a triumph of humanity" and that’s why it needs to be recognized, enjoyed, and celebrated every day by all of us.