MEZIESBLOG

In a genuinely “inclusive” society, an environment and culture where uniqueness and belonging are in harmony prevail and where citizens’ meaningful inclusion involves satisfying the needs of both belonging and individuality. ​

Creating an inclusive society means striking a delicate balance: We want everyone to feel that their identity is understood and recognized for their uniqueness but also that their identity is embraced and enhanced by the wider group to which they belong.

Exclusion occurs when there is low respect and acceptance of a person’s uniqueness and a lack of embracing someone into the wider group, so a low sense of belonging sets in. It’s crucial to recognize and embrace the unique qualities of each individual, as it enriches our society and fosters a sense of belonging. 

Promoting an inclusive world, the Equal Rights Trust launched the Declaration of Principles on Equality in October 2008 in London. For the first time, it established general legal principles on equality as a fundamental human right. The content of the “right to equality” includes: (i) The right to recognition of the equal worth and equal dignity of each human being; (ii) the right to equality before the law; (iii) the right to equal protection and benefit of the law; (iv) the right to be treated with the same respect and consideration as all others; (v) the right to participate on an equal basis with others in any area of economic, social, political, cultural, or civil life.

Article-1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, as does standard Article-2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Article-26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights recognizes the right to non-discrimination as an autonomous human right, and states’ correlative obligation to realize this right is related to equality.

Article-19.1 of the Constitution of Bangladesh states that the state shall endeavour to ensure equality of opportunity to all citizens. The Constitution provides for equality before the law (Article-27), guarantee of non-discrimination on grounds “only” of sex (Article-28.1, Article-28.3), special provisions for women and children (Article-28.4), and equal opportunity in public employment (Article-29.1).

There is a conducive policy environment for including persons with diverse needs. Bangladesh has no specific policy on inclusive education. However, existing laws, policies, and commitments to the CRPD and the CRC guarantee non-discrimination in education for all children. The government’s role in implementing and enforcing these laws and policies is crucial in creating an inclusive society.

Truly inclusive environments elevate emotional intelligence, especially self-awareness and self-regulation, among everyone, more so managers. It is not simply enough to recruit a diverse team of people and assume that it will bring a diversity of thought and opinion because it would not if individuals do not feel safe and included to speak up and share their perspectives and ideas. The state plays a crucial role in enabling that sense of belonging and inclusion by noticing their choice of words and actions and pro-actively removing barriers to ensure we create spaces for all voices to be heard. This underscores the responsibility of the state in fostering an inclusive society.

Psychological safety is the prime basis of inclusion. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to interact without feeling marginalized or punished in some way. The greater the inclusion, the higher the need for psychological safety because it requires more vulnerability, exposure, and risk from the teams involved. Psychologist William Kahn calls this the “sense of being able to show and employ self without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status, or career” (1990).

In other words, it’s about creating a space where people can be themselves without fear of judgement or reprisal, which is crucial for fostering inclusion. This emphasis on psychological safety ensures that everyone feels secure and valued in an inclusive society.

Tim Clark, in The Four Stages of Psychological Safety (2020), identified stages that require a deeper level of psychological safety to invite greater inclusion. It starts with recognizing that you are an influence and people are watching your behaviour. Our actions will shape the team culture around you. Then, notice and suspend your pre-conceived notions and take ownership of what is possible at a team level.

Lead in your space first, even if you can only influence your team’s operations. With conscious and strategic efforts, we believe that Bangladesh will soon become an “inclusive” society, united under the leadership of students and citizens as envisioned.