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Avoiding exclusion in inclusion
Posted on behalf of: Similoluwa Adefioye
Last updated: Thursday, 16 May 2024
Everyone desires to be seen, heard, respected, and included, but sometimes we can fail at this, not due to lack of provision, but because we treat everyone in the same vein without considering their unique needs.
When we visit the opticians, we expect them to test our vision before recommending different glasses. They do this because they want to be certain they are solving a problem not creating a worse one. Imagine creating one-size-fits-all medical glasses for everyone who has an eye problem. For many people, these glasses will make their vision worse, not better. Sometimes, we get so carried away with treating people equally that we forget to pay attention to what matters most - their needs. While it may be true that nobody wants to be left behind, we leave many behind when we give everyone the same things, without paying attention to their needs.
We can be quick to put a term to it when we see people trying to give ‘extra’ to others; we call it ‘inequality,’ and in some extreme cases, we say it is ‘injustice.’ But we should be thinking more in terms of ‘equity.’
Where equality means each person is given the same opportunities, equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and needs and allocates resources and support accordingly.
Inclusion is great, yet incomplete without equity. If we try to be inclusive by treating everyone equally, we may end up excluding others. So, how about we start asking two important questions: ‘What do you need?’ and ‘How can I help you?’ rather than assuming we know what everyone needs? And I hope that the next time you think of inclusion, you think of it as the combination of both equality and equity.
Together, we can ensure that no one feels left behind.
Similoluwa Adefioye is a Masters's Student of International Education and Development. She enjoys writing and utilising the pen for the benefit of others. When not writing, she is either working as an International Educator, representing international students within and outside Sussex or advocating for Gender Equality as one of the UN Women UK CSW 68 delegates.