Diversity & inclusion - why does it matter?

In our last DM Weekly Digest of 2021, we round up some of the latest diversity & inclusion news. This one ends on an empowering piece that is well worth a read!

As we grieve bell hooks, let’s remember all that she taught us

A reflection piece on bell hooks, the brilliant, trailblazing author, cultural critic, feminist, poet and professor here.

‘A lot fell into place’: the adults who discovered they were autistic – after their child was diagnosed

The recorded incidence of autism has increased 787% in 20 years. For many parents, getting help for an autistic child alerted them to their own traits, read more here.

We, the Afropeans: Black photographers in Europe – in pictures

The British photographer and author Johny Pitts has curated a series of images exploring Black identities in Europe for photography journal The Eyes Publishing. From Steve McQueen-inspired collage to a studio portrait with tomatoes, they explore feelings of displacement, community and belonging here.

'It's like a prison' - blind Afghan refugee battles to end family's housing misery in Walsall

Proud Afghan Army general who fought with British troops against Taliban says new life in England "not what he was hoping for". Read full story here.

Pregnant women put on UK's priority Covid vaccine list

Pregnant women are at heightened risk from Covid and should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their child, say UK experts. An important story during these difficult times here.

As parents protest critical race theory, students fight racist behavior at school

In the USA, Heated local debates over critical race theory are feeding into the bullying and harassment of students of colour at school, making it harder to stop, parents and experts say here.

UK Supreme Court blocks gender-neutral passports

The court unanimously dismissed the case, according to the BBC. The justices said the gender of passport applicants is a “biological detail” that can be checked against birth, adoption, or gender recognition certificates. Read more here.

Report reveals gender pay gap has reduced at Lichfield District Council

The report reveals that the gender pay gap for the 2021 period is 2.36. Read more here.

Housing views and experiences sought by LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT Youth Scotland is undertaking research to find out what life in Scotland is like for LGBTI young people, including home and housing. Find the survey here.

Consultation launched on disability workforce reporting

The Minister for Disabled People launches a consultation on disability workforce reporting as part of the National Disability Strategy. Find full information here.

Ntando Mahlangu: 'I was bullied a lot because of my disability'

Living with fibular hemimelia, a congenital condition that causes the lower leg to under-develop, is a major challenge on its own, so imagine being bullied while growing up in an unsuitable town at the same time too.

12 gender equality victories in 2021

And we end on an article looking back on empowering moments for women and girls around the globe here. Happy new year!