What is equity, diversity, and inclusion? What happens when someone is excluded from society because of who they are? How do underrecognised groups look at the way the EDI discourse is framed in our societies? How can we contribute to empowering equity, diversity, and inclusion through the research, working practices, and other activities at the EUI? These are just some of the many questions covered in the newly launched EDI podcast series 'The elephant in the room'.
The guiding thread of the podcast series reflects some of the important dates to celebrate and recognise the aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the EUI:
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December
- Black History Month, 1 February to 1 March
- International Women's Day, 8 March
- and LGBTQI+ Pride Month, 1 June to 30 June
This podcast presents an opportunity to discuss how the EDI landscape is changing, how the words 'diversity' and 'inclusion' imply layered meanings, and represents a significant activity of advocacy and incremental change made possible by multiple generations of activists, researchers, and professionals over decades. In the podcast, speakers take a deep dive into what this all means for the EUI right now and in the near future.
In the first episode, 'Can you see me? – International Day of Persons with Disability', launched on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Giuseppe Zago, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the EUI, is joined by Professor Monika Baar, Joint Chair at the EUI History Department and Robert Schuman Centre, Director of Graduate Studies at the History Department, and an expert in the History of Disability.
Professor Baar and Giuseppe discuss the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The international day, celebrated globally every year on 3 December, aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
In their conversation, they share their experiences and insights, providing listeners with perspectives and practical takeaways on important questions, including:
- Why should there be an International Day of Persons with Disabilities? Where did the idea originate from?
- What protective measures does the United Nations put in place for individuals with disabilities?
- How is disability conceptualised in international human rights law?
- How is disability perceived socially and represented in the media?
- What does the EUI do to help and support students, faculty, and staff members with a disability or specific needs?
Listen to the episode on:
SoundCloud, MixCloud, or YouTube.
Episode details:
Host: Giuseppe Zago, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the EUI
Guest: Monika Baar, Joint Chair at the EUI History Department and Robert Schuman Centre, Director of Graduate Studies, History Department
This initiative was produced in collaboration with the EUI's researcher-led web radio, Radio Cavolo. Do you have a question about the podcast? Drop a line to [email protected].