Inclusion is Not Just 'Black and White'

Inclusion ensures that there are equal opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds. But inclusion is not always clear cut; it also takes into account elements like age, disability, and mental health.

Sometimes it may be easy to forget that gender and age for instance, are also factors to be considered when talking about inclusion. Recognising gender and age diversity ensures that all voices are heard and represented within organisations and society. Gender and age discrimination are prevalent in many societies, affecting access to opportunities, resources, and services. In 2024 a survey in the UK had shown 37% of people in their 50’s and 60’s had faced age discrimination. Over 2 million, 14% of women in the UK are paid less than the living wage compared to men.

Inclusion efforts that address these forms of discrimination promote equity and fairness for individuals of all genders and ages. Inclusive practices that recognise and respect diverse gender identities and age groups empower individuals to fully participate in society, express themselves authentically, and pursue their goals and aspirations without the fear of exclusion.

Despite considering all factors when thinking about being inclusive, it is also important to remember that not everyone should be put into categories. From an inclusion perspective, individuals aim not to be solely categorised by age or race, but rather acknowledged simply as individuals. People value being recognised as individuals because it validates their uniqueness, experiences, and worth, rather than reducing them to categories or labels, creating genuine understanding and connection. Inclusion is not as straightforward as just ensuring equal access or representation. It involves recognising individuals’ identity, addressing systematic barriers and biases, valuing diverse perspectives, and committing to ongoing improvement.

To ensure the effectiveness of inclusion, it is crucial for both organisations and communities to offer their support. This entails providing suitable training and mentorship, as well as fostering a culture of sharing ideas on how we can contribute to promoting inclusion. Encouraging open discussion about improving inclusion acknowledges the diversity of everyone’s needs. This creates a space for better understanding each individuals’ requirements and facilitates mutual learning and creating a deeper understanding of one another.

At ABC we are working towards making the North East the most inclusive region in the UK by the end of 2025!  We would appreciate your help in achieving this goal, which you can do by filling out a short survey about ‘what inclusion means to you’ using the following link (Click HERE).  We aim to have reached 100,000 survey responses by the end of the year, this helps us to have more inclusion data for further research and understanding.