Maike Van Oyen

Despite significant investments in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), many organisations overlook a hidden driver of resistance and fatigue: their language. This article explores how linguistic framing shapes emotional reactions and organisational outcomes and how adjusting can unlock lasting progress.

We work in beautifully diverse educational and sports environments. In such settings, fostering inclusivity and equity is essential for creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Influencers exert profound influence over youth perceptions of self and body image, a phenomenon grounded in Albert Bandura's social learning theory. This theory posits that individuals learn behaviours and social norms by observing and imitating role models.

The corporate governance landscape constantly changes, but boardroom inclusion is and will always remain the very foundation for effective and innovative decision-making. It enables the growth of more symbiotic and thus sustainable ecosystems. Sustainable and healthy change comes from ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Drawing from the latest…

If you grew up in a school system like mine that mostly emphasised European and American perspectives, your understanding of Africa may have been shaped differently than it could have been. You likely learned about its geography, figures like Nelson Mandela, the struggles of poverty, wildlife conservation, the slave and the diamond trade. However, this…

Our identities are shaped by multiple intersecting factors that influence our opportunities, interactions, and experiences. Intersectional awareness means recognising that no single aspect, such as skin colour, gender, socioeconomic background, religion, education, or sexual orientation, defines us entirely. Instead, our experiences are a complex blend of these facets, intersecting in ways that can intensify or…

As DEIB specialists, we consistently advocate the business case for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and frequently engage in conversations highlighting the value of this work. Our conversations typically focus on the importance of DEIB for organisations, ecosystems, and individual well-being. However, what happens when theological perspectives enter the conversation? Addressing religious viewpoints can…