Gender and Diversity is not about numbers |
|---|
|
The idea of ‘Gender and Diversity’ within IWMI goes beyond merely balancing the numbers, or the distribution of people from different backgrounds. It is about creating an environment where the mixture of cultural backgrounds, genders, perspectives, abilities, beliefs and experiences together helps learning, sharing and growing. Learning and SharingIWMI has focused its efforts on leveraging the talents and abilities of the people that work and make up the organization. The atmosphere at IWMI is one that respects the differences of individuals and also recognizes unique contributions. A range of institutional policies support this effort. From capacity building programs for junior researchers and students from the countries in which IWMI’s projects are based, to the Knowledge Centre Initiative which addresses organizational knowledge sharing, there is genuine commitment to meeting the aspirations of staff on a personal level, as well as those of the institution as a whole.
Acknowledging Work and LifeThe work environment at IWMI is built to bridge what people do within the organization and the reality of their daily lives. Over the last five years the institution has transformed, both physically as well as organizationally, taking steps to make this bridge shorter. Physically, this has meant additions to make the workplace more transparent, open and friendly. The most recent of these is the building of a crèche out of an old boardroom. At the organizational end, it has meant creating policies that, for example, acknowledge that people often move great distances with their families to work at IWMI. Partner employment opportunities at IWMI address the needs of dual career families and seek to provide qualified partners with support to conduct their own research, or offer even short-term appointments as professional consultants.
In the end, we place the greatest value on the open exchange between our staff, both research as well as research support, who come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, home countries and ages. We believe that it is this exchange that improves the quality of the research, our primary product. And it is these interactions that that make our workplace an inclusive one
.
Quotes from IWMI staff:Iskandar Abdullaev:Since joining IWMI, I have interacted with other international projects. Therefore, I can compare the working environment of IWMI with that of other organizations. At IWMI, I feel very confident of applying my knowledge and experience in every context. I have not felt any difference between different groups of people; we all easily communicate and if needed, debate the issues. This is an indication of healthiness and a family environment, which I have enjoyed very much! Luna Bharati, Researcher:I find the atmosphere at IWMI very conducive to work productivity. It is a very inclusive place where people from different backgrounds and cultures interact easily. Therefore, with most people, their professional goals or research interests come before their diversity profile or category. Sanjiv de Silva:"What seems to set IWMI apart from many organisations is that at IWMI, gender equality and respect for ethnic and cultural diversity are truly a part of its workings. The motivation comes less from posing as politically correct, and more from seeing equity and difference as two of the organisation's most valuable sources of energy." Mutsa Masiyandima:
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
