The importance of creating a community of allyship
Article by Deloitte, one of the main partners of Copenhagen Pride 2023
As human beings we all have the need for a safe space where we can freely expressourselves. The aftermath of the pandemic has underlined the need for making meaningful connections with our co-workers. This is essential to a healthy work-life balance and well-being in the workplace.
In Deloitte we are fully committed to supporting our employee-driven networks to foster a more inclusive environment. We strive to create an organization that meets the needs of our talents both on and off company time. Our LGBTQ+ and allies network, Proud, is one of our biggest communities and consists of passionate and driven employees:
“I find it important to stand up for what you believe in – and I believe in a world where everyone feels comfortable with being themselves no matter their sexuality, background, culture or identity. I am proud to be working at a company which is taking an active stance towards embracing diversity and fostering inclusion. As an LGBTQ+ ally, I find it equally important to show your support and play an active role in raising awareness.”
– Camilla Cruse Henriksen (she/her), Proud SteerCo member
Dialogue is key
We believe that Proud is not only crucial for their members but also Deloitte as a whole. This network is entirely driven by our dedicated employees who have managed to create a community where like-minded people can meet. Proud has full leadership commitment and is also a valuable part of promoting diversity and inclusion by having dialogues and offering strategic input to our talent strategy team, People & Purpose Strategy. This is recognized by partner and Talent Leader, Camilla Kruse (she/her):
“It’s essential to have a close dialogue and collaboration with Proud and our other employee-driven networks in order for us to understand the talent experience of the employees that the networks represent. Such insights shed light on our blind spots and enables us to foster inclusion for all talents in Deloitte.”
Steps in the right direction
Although diversity and inclusion are one of our core values and we have come a long way, we must continue to make an effort every day. Unconscious biases need to be addressed,leaders need to be educated and the status quo must be challenged. We still have a long way to go, but we are taking steps in the right direction. Proud, along with our other employee-driven networks, are paving the way for all our talents to feel seen, heard, and respected. This also makes us proud to work with Copenhagen Pride and together make an impact that matters. Erik Sivec (he/him), Proud SteerCo member, also humbly acknowledges the progress we have made on a societal level:
“We should be proud of how far we’ve come as a society and for our achievements in terms of equality and respect of human rights. Today we can celebrate diversity and love openly alongside our families, friends, allies, and coworkers thanks to a few heroes who stood up with pride for themselves and their community. And we must keep standing together on the shoulders of these civil rights giants to carry on their legacy of freedom and ensure we are active agents of the change we want to see in the world. We at Proud are driven by this purpose and look forward to come together at Copenhagen Pride to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion.”
