In the EDIFY EDU project, we conducted six video interviews related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to get an overview of existing best practices. These interviews are not just useful examples but also important when building atraining programme for managers and creating a business management modules for higher education students.
Experiences from the interviews in Ireland
We ensured that we had a selection of female entrepreneurs as participants and we were particularly interested in finding out about their career pathways, influences on decision making in relation to starting their own business and the challenges that women face as entrepreneurs and leaders.
The implementation of EDI policies and associated challenges in the workplace were a common theme in all interviews. Inclusion of underrepresented groups in the workplace and community posed a challenge that was met through social enterprise projects, theatre and community involvement. Participants noted that EDI is not just important in the workplace but that it is equally important to listen to the wider community and to ensure that all underrepresented groups are included and given an equal voice. An important aspect was addressed with regard to EDI education for children and how this can be taught at a young age. Participants raised valid points and observations regarding current national EDI legislation and the responsibility of the employer. Future considerations of EDI were explored: definitions in law and legislation; EDI needs to be integrated into daily business operations; starting a business is different for female entrepreneurs in comparison to their male counterparts.
In Ireland, we warmly thank the following organisations for participating in these interviews:
- Mill Theatre Dundrum
- Red Torch Ginger
- Cycling Without Age
- Clara Clark Event Management
- Skinny Batch Bakery
- Sylvia’s Childcare
All the videos from the partner countries will be published on EDIFY EDU channels in 2023. Follow the project website https://www.edifyeduproject.eu/ and LinkedIn
The Irish Team: IADT & DLR Chamber of Commerce
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology are the lead partners in the EDIFY EDU project.
The DLR Chamber of Commerce aims to grow, promote and protect the interests of the business community in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown county.
Dr Audrey Stenson & Tamara Markey
