Diversity and inclusion have become more prominent on the agenda in the Netherlands in recent years. Organizations and institutions claim to embrace diversity and create inclusive work environments. However, when we look deeper, we see that there is often a gap between equality and parity.

​

Equality means that everyone has the same rights and opportunities, regardless of origin, gender, religion, or other factors. Parity goes a step further and recognizes that people have different backgrounds and needs. It creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and where they can perform optimally.

​

In practice, we see that organizations often focus on equality in terms of diversity. People strive for a workforce that reflects society but invest too little in equality. This results in a façade of diversity, where people from different backgrounds are present but do not feel fully valued or heard.

Keti Koti is a clear example. Despite the important role of slavery in our history, little attention is paid to it. There is no national holiday and too little recognition for pain & trauma.
This lack of recognition & inclusion shows the gap between equality and equality. We celebrate diversity but do not create an environment where everyone feels valued.

Keti Koti is the annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands. Despite the important role that slavery has played in Dutch history, little attention is paid to it in education and in society as a whole. However, Keti Koti is still not a national holiday, and there is too little recognition of the pain and trauma that arise from this period. However, Keti Koti can play an important role when recognition as a national holiday & more attention to the history of slavery to promote a more inclusive society.
 

This lack of recognition and inclusion illustrates the gap between equality and equality. We celebrate diversity, but do not yet create an environment in which everyone feels valued and respected
Only by uniting equality and equality can we bring diversity to life in the Netherlands.

​

Theater Bellevue and Likeminds foundation is investing in amending this 'failure' by helping broadening and cultivating awareness regarding this topic.

Mainly because, in practice, we see that organizations focus on equality in terms of diversity and strive for a reflection of society in their workforce, but invest too little in parity. Moreover, this results in a sham diversity, where people from different backgrounds are present, but do not feel fully valued or heard. Because Theater Bellevue and Likeminds foundation believe that in order to make real progress towards diversity and inclusion, more is needed than just a focus on representation.

We need to invest in inclusive work environments, where people feel free to express their identity and use their talents. We also need to face our history, including the painful and uncomfortable parts, and recognize that diversity is intrinsically linked to Dutch identity.

Keti Koti can play an important role in this process. Recognizing it as a national holiday and giving more attention to the history of slavery can help create a more inclusive society.

Only by uniting equality and parity can we bring diversity to life in the Netherlands.

​