Action Alert | How inclusive are conferences anyway?
This week we were inspired by a thread posted on Twitter by Selena Moon (@SelenaMMoon).
In the thread, Moon presents several questions about the nature of conferences and how returning to in-person experiences is problematic and inaccessible for disabled and historically marginalized people. Moon highlights concerns that were problematic before the pandemic.
Make sure you share your thoughts or agreement with retweets and replies.
In closing, Moon asks…
At GenderAvenger, we believe that women’s voices count. But when we think about an intersectional approach to women’s voices, many conferences, lists, academic spaces, businesses, and communities were not designed to support the diversity of experiences in our world. To move forward, we must reevaluate what we’re demanding of conferences, business, politics, media, and education.
Right now, we’re demanding a broken seat at a broken table. For us, it’s so much bigger than asking, “Where are the women?” because, as Moon points out, just being present doesn’t bring the equity or access needed to change the equation. It’s time to open our minds to tackle the more significant systemic issues that individuals cannot solve alone. And through Selena Moon’s (@SelenaMMoon) thread this week, we can challenge ourselves (and each other) to design inclusive spaces free of marginalization rather than demand inclusion in unequal spaces.
We are living in an era that prioritizes the optics of diversity. Optical diversity is one preliminary step on the gender equity journey. Not sure about what’s next? Go back and read last week’s newsletter on calling out, calling in, and calling BS!
Psst… Sharing is caring! If you enjoy our weekly love letter to gender equality, pass it on to a friend, colleague, organization, or event planner you know!
📣🚨 Where are the women? This week, Selena Moon inspired us to think more critically about how we design inclusive spaces free of marginalization rather than demand inclusion in unequal spaces. #GenderAvenger