How can you build more equitable and inclusive systems?

1 What are equitable and inclusive systems?

Equitable and inclusive systems are systems that aim to reduce disparities, promote diversity, and ensure participation and representation of all groups, especially those that have been historically marginalized, oppressed, or excluded. Examples of systems can include policies, programs, services, organizations, networks, or platforms that affect the lives of people and communities. Equitable and inclusive systems recognize and value the diversity of identities, experiences, perspectives, and contributions of all people, and seek to address the root causes and consequences of systemic inequities and injustices.

3 How can you assess the equity and inclusion of a system?

Before you can build more equitable and inclusive systems, you need to assess the current state of equity and inclusion in the system you are working with or within. You can use various tools and methods to conduct an equity and inclusion assessment, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, data analysis, or audits. The purpose of an equity and inclusion assessment is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the system in terms of equity and inclusion, as well as the gaps, barriers, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. An equity and inclusion assessment can also help you define your goals, indicators, and strategies for building more equitable and inclusive systems.

5 How can you implement more equitable and inclusive systems?

Another key principle for implementing more equitable and inclusive systems is to adopt a collaborative approach. A collaborative approach means that you work with and alongside other stakeholders who are part of or affected by the system, such as beneficiaries, partners, staff, donors, policymakers, or experts. A collaborative approach can help you build trust, rapport, and alignment among different actors, and leverage their skills, resources, and networks. A collaborative approach can also help you share knowledge, feedback, and learning, and adapt to changing circumstances and needs. A collaborative approach can also help you foster a culture of equity and inclusion within and across the system.

6 How can you monitor and evaluate more equitable and inclusive systems?

The final key principle for building more equitable and inclusive systems is to adopt a learning-oriented approach. A learning-oriented approach means that you collect and use data and evidence to measure the progress and impact of your system in terms of equity and inclusion, and to identify the successes and failures, the best practices and lessons learned, and the areas for improvement and innovation. A learning-oriented approach can help you track and communicate the results and value of your system, and to demonstrate accountability and transparency to your stakeholders. A learning-oriented approach can also help you continuously improve and innovate your system, and to scale or replicate it in other contexts or settings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?