Respecting Diversity

Respecting Diversity is the ability to recognise, understand, accept and demonstrate respect towards individuals and groups that might be different from us in terms of age, gender, sexuality, religion, caste, economic background, political beliefs, culture etc. This skill focuses on valuing and celebrating differences and making our personal and professional lives richer with varied experiences and perspectives. This skill also includes the ability to stay curious, learn continuously, stay humble and accept our own biases and limitations.

Respecting Diversity is vital in today's disparate yet interconnected world in order to have respectful personal and professional interactions, form deeper connections and work towards more inclusive and sustainable ways of living and thriving together.

Respecting Diversity in Action The person will be able to:

• Recognise similarities and differences between themselves and others on various facets of life.
• Demonstrate respect and equality in their interactions with people who are different from them in both personal and professional lives.
• Make friends from diverse communities and social identities.
• Form or be a part of groups or teams that are diverse in nature and work towards common goals.
• Exercise mindfulness and sensitivity when interacting with people or groups they are unfamiliar with.
• Engage in experiences that offer opportunities to learn about and form connections with diverse groups and communities.
• Judge others’ ability or worth based on their potential and skills, rather than their socio-cultural identity and beliefs.
• Challenge commonly accepted biases and stereotypes and discourage humour and sarcasm stemming from community or social identities.
• Devise ways of supporting individuals and groups from vulnerable sections.