eQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) ensures fair treatment, celebrates differences, and creates environments where everyone feels valued and can thrive. It promotes equal opportunities, respects diverse perspectives, and fosters inclusivity in workplaces, schools, and communities.

SO WHAT IS EDI?

Equality

Equality ensures that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. It aims to eliminate discrimination based on factors like age, gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality is about fairness—leveling the playing field so everyone can achieve their potential without barriers.

Diversity
Diversity recognizes, values, and celebrates individual differences. It encompasses a wide range of attributes, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, cultural background, abilities, and perspectives. Embracing diversity fosters creativity and innovation by bringing together varied experiences and viewpoints.

Inclusion
Inclusion involves creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute fully. It’s about ensuring that diverse individuals are not only present but also have a voice and influence. Inclusive practices actively remove barriers to participation and work toward building cohesive, respectful communities.

aLEX'S STORY

Alex, a 22-year-old apprentice, recently joined a construction company as part of their apprenticeship program. Alex is a transgender individual who uses they/them pronouns. While most colleagues were welcoming, a few team members made dismissive comments, avoided using their correct pronouns, and excluded them from casual workplace conversations. These actions made Alex feel isolated and undervalued, leading to anxiety about coming to work. Alex reported the issue to their apprenticeship mentor, who referred them to the company's EDI officer.