In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood engages with Valentina Jaramillo to explore "The Future of Gender Equity". Valentina sheds light on the pervasive issue of "rainbow washing" by companies, which superficially support the LGBTQ+ community without genuine actions. Joanne and Valentina examine the importance of authentic company support and its positive impacts on employee morale and retention. The conversation touches on the necessity for pay equity, transparent pay structures, and fostering discussions about gender equity within workplaces.
Valentina Jaramillo is an empowerment catalyst and inclusion advocate, dedicated to developing inclusive gender equity strategies for organisations. Valentina's personal journey of discovering their true identity at the age of 40, despite growing up in Colombia where non-binary identities were not recognised, fuels their passion for advocacy. Valentina stands as a beacon for inclusive language, policies, and spaces, promoting gender-neutral restrooms, and emphasising the importance of genuine support for all gender identities, including non-binary, agender, and gender non-conforming individuals.
The episode delves into challenges related to the use of pronouns, discussing how resistance from others persists. Joanne and Valentina recount experiences of being disregarded by recruiters on LinkedIn for listing pronouns and facing the need to conform while travelling. They explore the broader issues of inclusivity in language and the impact of traditional gender roles, highlighting the need for progressive changes to foster a welcoming environment for everyone.
Joanne and Valentina also address the pink tax, gender stereotypes in marketing, and the performative activism often seen during Pride season. They call for continuous advocacy and support for diversity within organisations, extending beyond superficial gestures to meaningful actions that drive change. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt call to listeners to engage in genuine support and inclusion, encouraging them to subscribe and share their thoughts and stories.
A key takeaway from this episode is the emphasis on authentic, ongoing support for gender equity, and the need for inclusive language and policies that reflect genuine intentions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the importance of addressing gender disparities, and the challenges and triumphs of gender nonconforming individuals. This episode serves as a call to action for everyone committed to driving gender equity and inclusion forward.
