I love this year's theme as encouraging people to be true to themselves is something I feel very strongly about. Everyone deserves to be who they want to be without judgement or discrimination, so I'll always be an advocate for this and also an ally for anyone who needs it.
I feel very proud of my heritage. It's enabled me to grow up learning about different cultures and understanding the world in a wider way. Whilst I was born in England my family is originally from Punjab which is a state in north western India. India is one of my favourite countries to visit and I try to go back as much as possible. If you've not been and get the chance to go I'd highly recommend it.
To help others feel as empowered as I do, I try to champion the need for representation within the workplace and encourage that all decisions made are representative of everyone. In my role as a graphic designer, I try to ensure we're using images that are inclusive of all minority groups and challenging decisions when I think its necessary.
This is also reflected in my activities outside of the workplace too. Over the past year, I've started a small business creating educational materials about Sikhi, including learning resources for kids. The business aims to donate as much as they can to schools or Gurdwaras (Sikh temples).
Being so heavily involved in projects like this allows me to help shape a new generations to understand and learn about their religion and to also keep encouraging conversations to be had. This sets a precedent to young children as it makes them feel welcome and included when they can see visual representation of themselves in books.
I hope that the next generation, like me, feel free to be themselves.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Southern
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is just not a tick box exercise for us here at Southern Housing. It's about building and maintaining a culture for us, where everyone can be themselves, know that we care and that our colleagues and residents know they are at the HEART of everything we do.
A big part of this is our EDI Network Groups, which provide a safe space for colleagues to meet, connect, share experiences and have some fun.
Their purpose is to raise awareness through various activities, support one another, contribute and signpost to available resources, challenge inequalities, and make an impact on business decisions by suggesting solutions and innovative approaches that champion inclusion for everyone.
REACH: Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage
One of these networks is our REACH network group. They aim to empower our colleagues from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds to achieve their potential through positive change, increased representation and promoting a working environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued.
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