This year’s commemoration of Women’s History Month, in March, celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEI),” a theme that resounds within the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community. DEI initiatives address overcoming some of the challenges individuals with vision loss and other disabilities face to participate fully and thrive in society. Specifically, DEI efforts “are organizational frameworks which seek to promote ’the fair treatment and full participation of all people,’ particularly groups “who ‘have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination’ on the basis of identity or disability.” These efforts benefit all involved, since “companies that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive are better able to respond to challenges, win top talent, and meet the needs of different customer bases.” In recent years, many organizations have incorporated DEI into policies and hiring practices. Women’s History Month offers the opportunity to recognize women who have been instrumental in showing the importance of “basic including, equality and fairness” through advocacy and the establishment of innovative programs, practices, and legislation consistent with these goals. To advance this year’s theme, the National Women’s History Alliance has developed a toolkit, with ideas and practical advice for educators, community activists, and families to engage students ages ten through18 in “exploring women’s history” locally and nationally. For additional information, visit the webpage on The 2024 National Women’s History Theme and the link to the NWHA 2024 Women’s History Month Tool Kit. To learn more about DEI, read the Wikipedia piece on Diversity, equity, and inclusion and the McKinsey & Company article on What is diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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