On Thursday 14 October, the annual Sigra conference on diversity and inclusion was broadcast live from Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam. Sigra is a regional partnership of organisations in care and welfare from North Holland North, Zaanstreek-Waterland, Amsterdam, Diemen and Amstelveen.Sanne Janssen, Sigra policy officer team Labour Market and Education, presented the meeting.
There is a lot of focus within the health and welfare sector on promoting diversity and inclusion. As a partnership, Sigra regularly tries to share knowledge and good examples in this area. The annual conference will therefore give ambassadors and organisations from the sector the stage to talk about their initiatives. The diversity prize is also awarded biennially for an exceptional, innovative and employee-, client- or patient-centred initiative.
Table discussion
This year, ambassadors Peragaseni Sellappah(GGZ nursing specialist) and Michiel Borst (GGZ psychologist), both working at GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, told what is important for them to be able to be themselves in the workplace. For example, Michiel believes it is important that there is more attention and space for different forms of gender expression in the workplace. For example, Michiel believes it is important that there is more attention and space for different forms of gender expression in the workplace. Peragaseni also indicates that she became increasingly compliant when she was told, as a 17-year-old trainee, that with her Sri Lankan background, she was nevertheless very temperamental.
Sigra diversity award
After the table discussion, the Sigra diversity award was presented by ADI policy advisor Shivan Shazad, among others. This time, the first prize went to Amsterdam UMC for no less than two initiatives: the Widening Access study and Steunpunt Gendervraag. The Widening Access study is an investigation into the potential for improved admission of students from underrepresented groups and/or regions within the medical school. The Gender Questions Support Centre is a new accessible support centre for trans*, non-binary people and (their loved ones such as parents or partners) where people can ask questions and share experiences about their gender identity.
The second prize went to Arkin for an anti-stigma and labour market campaign ‘Arkin seeks humanologist!‘. This is a campaign featuring Dutch celebrities. The campaign aims to make the stigma around mental health more discussable and attract new (experience) experts.
Guest speakers
Finally, Sherida Zorg, manager of diversity and inclusion at the Rijksmuseum, and Umit Aygun, district chief of police Kennemerland, shared how they work on an inclusive organisation on a daily basis. For Sherida, working on culture change is unruly and this requires constant attention. She sees that it is important to slow down rather than speed up processes so that change can happen in a sustainable way. It is also important to build support for change so that there is intrinsic will to work together for change. For this, Sherida tips directors and policymakers to listen especially carefully to all layers in the organisation.
Umit talks about what good policing is in society. We will also hear how the Kennemerland police are working towards a diverse, inclusive and safe organisation where professionalism and is paramount. In doing so, the focus has shifted from recognising difference to focusing more on connection.
Curious about the speakers’ personal stories, their practical tips and the winners of the Sigra Award 2021? Watch the conference back!