Behind-the-scenes: Navigating diversity, equity and inclusion in humanitarian action

At UNHCR, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just principles, they are the pillars of our mission. Leaders like Fadzi Whande are an example of this commitment. They drive positive change and promote a sense of belonging for all people, regardless of their background or identity. 

Welcome to "Humanitarians at Work", UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's biweekly newsletter where we share motivations, challenges, and advice from staff working in the humanitarian sector. If you would like an exclusive sneak peek into the lives of humanitarian workers and tips on how to get started in the sector, please subscribe. 

In this edition, we are excited to introduce you to Fadzi Whande, Chief of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Section of UNHCR. Fadzi sheds light on the complexities of her role and shares insights into what it takes to address diversity challenges effectively. She also reflects on her most memorable day in the field and offers valuable advice for those starting a career in humanitarian work.

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📹 Step into the shoes of the Chief of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Section of UNHCR. Watch this #JobIn30Seconds video.

My journey to becoming a humanitarian was deeply influenced by my personal experiences. My parents are refugees, and over the years, I have witnessed and experienced various forms of injustice. These experiences sparked a relentless drive to fight social injustices. I realized that I could channel my skills and passion into supporting not just individuals but entire communities suffering from systemic inequities. Becoming a humanitarian allows me to be part of the solution.

Engaging, empowering and equipping.

My typical day involves meeting with diverse stakeholders and discussing how our processes and initiatives can promote inclusivity. I spend significant time in meetings, discussing and strategizing how to enhance our practices to foster a more inclusive environment. Much of my day is dedicated to identifying and resolving any gaps or barriers hindering full participation or fairness in our processes. 

One of the most challenging aspects of my job is effectively conveying the nuanced difference between diversity and inclusion. While it's relatively straightforward to measure diversity through tangible outcomes like recruitment metrics, inclusion is more complex, involving the subtleties of individual attitudes and behaviors which can be deeply ingrained and difficult to change. 

Navigating these personal experiences and biases requires a thoughtful and empathetic approach. It's critical to balance the urgency of making immediate progress with the need to engage all stakeholders respectfully and thoroughly. This balancing act is complicated by the diversity hierarchy within organizations, where different groups might view their issues as more pressing than others. It’s vital to address these perspectives without creating a hierarchy of importance among them. 

Furthermore, measuring the tangible impact of DEI initiatives and maintaining momentum amidst varying levels of acceptance and resistance poses a significant challenge. Despite these difficulties, overcoming these challenges is incredibly rewarding, as each step forward contributes to creating a more equitable and inclusive organization.  

Several key skills and qualities are crucial. Empathy and cultural intelligence are fundamental for understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives. Strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills are necessary to effectively convey the significance of DEI initiatives and to persuade stakeholders at all levels. Moreover, problem-solving skills and adaptability are vital to navigating the constantly evolving DEI landscape. Working in DEI can often present challenging and emotionally charged situations, so it's important to maintain professionalism and authenticity in all interactions, and not to take things personally. Above all, a genuine passion for DEI is critical, as it fuels the perseverance needed to drive meaningful, lasting change. 

Starting a career in humanitarian work can be profoundly rewarding. My advice would be to fully embrace the richness of human stories and recognize that every individual has a unique narrative. Understanding this will deepen your appreciation for the range of human experiences and help you move beyond the limitations of a single narrative, a common pitfall in humanitarian efforts. 

Be consistently open to learning from every interaction and reflect on the lessons each situation teaches you, as well as what might need to be unlearned or reconsidered. Adopting this mindset not only enriches your professional journey but also fuels your enthusiasm and dedication. This approach has been vital for me in sustaining my passion and commitment over the years.

One of my most memorable days at work, apart from launching our DEI Strategic Framework, was a visit to Kakuma refugee camp. It was an incredibly profound experience. A particularly unforgettable encounter was with a 16-year-old boy who had suffered the tragic loss of his family and endured a nearly month-long journey to find safety in Kenya. Despite his deep grief, he shared his aspirations to succeed and carry on his family's legacy. Witnessing his resilience and the supportive spirit of the community was deeply moving. This experience not only reaffirmed my commitment to our mission but highlighted the importance of our work and the impactful difference we make in improving lives. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such impactful work. 

To maintain mental health, I try not to take things personally and recognize the importance of de-stressing. Activities that help me relax include taking walks, reading a good book, or simply disconnecting from work. I believe in seeking support and advocating for oneself, whether through therapy or by cultivating a supportive network of colleagues. Having a support network is something I wish I had established earlier in my career. Now, I have a great network of colleagues in similar roles, and we meet every fortnight to support and check in with each other. 

1) Brene Brown’s TED talks and books  

2) Mellody Dobson’s Ted Talk called ‘Color blind or color brave?’ 

3) Nigerian writer and novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Ted Talk named “Danger of a Single Story” 

4) "We Need to Talk About an Injustice" by Bryan Stevenson 

5. Of course my own, Fadzi Whande “How diversity heaven can be inclusion hell” 

Regarding movies, I like Period Dramas because the context in which they play out is so unrelated to what we are experiencing in the modern day. They give me perspective. 

🤔 Your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below what surprised you the most about Fadzi's role as Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or any questions you might have about this role. 

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. Together with over 20,000 staff working around the world, we strive for a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future. 

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See you in your inbox in two weeks, 

Namrata Hazarika (UNHCR Social Media Team)