We as a global society are at a pivotal point in deep communal reflection and call to action that will define our civilization's path forward. The current COVID-19 pandemic and the power of social media have made more visible the persistent and pervasive systemic injustice and racism within the United States and globally. Inequity across economic, education, health, and justice systems, and within the development and aid structures mark the daily lived experience of those without privilege.

There is a collective global pause, where a critical mass of people are responding to this drumbeat that we hear more loudly and more clearly. Perhaps more of us who have enjoyed the privilege of living without the challenges of inequality are finally listening to this drumbeat as we bear witness to, and finally fear for ourselves, the fundamental collective weaknesses of these buckling systems that inequality begets. 

This drumbeat is that of a long and steady history of brave activism by women and men with diverse social identities who have led incremental progress for women's rights and social justice in the US, marked by notable movements led by Black women. It is the drumbeat of courageous Indigenous women and adolescent girls globally making visible the uncomfortable truths of inequality that pervades within one social identity.

We can choose to unite by recognizing differences and working to reduce the inequalities within, or we can choose to ignore and mute those differences. Both of these are active choices with rippling effects. At Equilo, we make it an active and purposeful daily choice to interrogate how our actions may make visible or invisible inequalities that pervade, and commit to doing our best by continually recognizing and being vulnerable to our blindspots.

But our words are only as meaningful as the actions that follow. We reaffirm our resolve to do our part within our spheres of influence to work toward achieving social inclusion, happiness, and justice thoughtfully and systematically over time in the marathon that sustained change requires. We continue to ingrain this value as part of core business operations, and commit to regularly reflect and learn, as the hard work of embracing discomfort and growth is never done. Although we commit to building upon this as we learn and grow, Equilo's foundational Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Agenda follows this three-pronged approach:

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1. Enhancing our analysis tool to improve inclusion and intersectional intelligence with better data, calling out where missing data creates biases and using qualitative information to fill in gap

2. Influencing growth-oriented dialogue and action through our personal and professional networks on a regular basis over a sustained time as an ingrained part of our workplace culture

3. Creating a thriving inclusive workplace, especially as we grow and hire new talent with diverse social identities

We stand with the Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQI+, and other socially excluded groups and fellow justice activists in the US, globally, and within the international development space. We truly believe that if we each do the hard work required, we can reimagine and create a happier, more just world for all.

- Jessica Menon & Rachel Elsinga, Equilo's Co-founders (July 2020)

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