The African Diversity and Inclusion Center (ADIC) has published its inaugural lists of women, men and minorities working to make the African continent ‘inclusive’ for all its citizens, regardless of their race, colour, religion or sexual orientation. Thanks to the amazing dedication of ADIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Ipolito T Mubiru, he has created the very first African Diversity and Inclusion Influential Lists (ADIIL) for the continent. See full interview here. Fair Play Talks is honoured to be the first DE&I global media platform to highlight the DE&I champions across Africa.
“Our African Diversity and Inclusion Influential Lists comprise individuals from different settings who work together to foster diversity and inclusion from different fronts for women, youths and minority groups of people all across the continent,” stated Mubiru.
Although these lists were compiled between September and October at the end last year, they were finalised in February 2020, and the announcement of the winners was delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. However, ADIC’s first lists are now out “and they will now be run annually,” confirmed Mubiru.
POWERFUL RESILIENCE & DETERMINATION
“The African Diversity and Inclusion Lists are a powerful reflection of the resilience, determination and the incredible achievements of the so many people working together to make Africa an inclusive society,” added Mubiru. “As we navigate through the tumultuous waters of life, we meet people who inspire us negatively or positively. Those who help light our paths and lead us to action to help those at the margins of society.”
“We read very inspiring stories from the nominations, but while only a few were selected, we were touched by the seemingly small acts of kindness, the responsibility with which they saw a need and took the lead to solve problems in their communities. We were impressed by the positivity with which they transformed stumbling blocks into stepping stones, the courage with which they dared to dream big, challenged status quo and pursued their dreams against all odds as well as their actions and words which inspired many to be the positive change they wish to see in Africa,” explained Mubiru.
The lists celebrate the person behind the achievement and the positive impact he or she has had. After a rigorous selection process, 40 women, 40 youths, 40 minorities and 20 male allies were chosen from across the African continent for their unwavering efforts in DE&I.
TOP AFRICAN WOMEN ROLE MODELS
This category recognises 40 African women role models who are helping to make Africa an inclusive society through their different initiatives and projects. Nominees for this category were women who are already successful in working on a particular project or initiative to make Africa more inclusive. They include:
- Hawa Abdi, Somalia
TOP 40 INSPIRING YOUTH
This category lists 40 inspirational young leaders, working on different DE&I initiatives across Africa, to help make the continent a better place for all. They include:
- Deena Mousa, Egypt
- Nice Nailantei Leng’ete, Kenya
40 INSPIRATIONAL MINORITY LEADERS
This category lists 40 inspirational African leaders who are minorities in different respects from the “differently abled to the albinos who are always hunted down by sorcerers and witch doctor yet they are making a significant contribution to DE&I across Africa”, confirmed Mubiru. They include:
- Salif Keita, Mali
TOP 20 AFRICAN MALE ALLIES
This category acknowledges the contributions of 20 adult male Africans who are outspoken and unwavering in their support for women, youths and minorities across Africa. They come from every part of the continent and from different industry sectors and professions. They include:
- Thejane Malakane, Lesotho
Click here for a full access to the lists and additional information.
Click here for the interview with ADIC’s Ipolito T Mubiru for more information behind inaugral African Diversity and Inclusion Influential Lists.
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