On Friday, October 6, IDEA Center (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Center) of Erasmus University Rotterdam presented the book Van woorden naar daden - een gids voor een inclusieve organisatie (From Words to Deeds - A Guide to an Inclusive Organization). In the book, several authors share their knowledge of and experiences with an integrated approach that can help transform an organization into a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible, and ultimately a more enjoyable organization for all.
About the book
With the book, the authors aim to inspire employers, employees and organizations in an accessible way. The book offers practical tools for designing, implementing and evaluating new or existing interventions and policies in the area of diversity and inclusion.
Featured are key terms and definitions, drivers and accelerators of increased attention to diversity and inclusion, and topics such as connection and engagement, inclusive organizational culture and communication, inclusive HR policies, monitoring and research, and inclusive leadership. The book is written by prof. dr. Semiha Denktaş, dr. Gwen de Bruin, drs. Joris van den Ring-Bax, dr. Helen Tibboel, dr. Katarina Putnik, prof. dr. Rutger Engels, dr. Anne Wijtzes, Jacqueline Onyenze, MA, BSc, and dr. Yumna Asaf. You can order the book through this link.
Book launch
The first copy of the book was presented to Rabin S. Baldewsingh, National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism by prof. dr. Semiha Denktaş - Chief Diversity Officer Erasmus University Rotterdam – on October 6, in Theater Zuidplein.
Professor Annelien Bredenoord, rector magnificus EUR, was present and gave the opening speech: "Under the inspiring leadership of professor Semiha Denktaş, our university has built an impressive IDEA Center in recent years. One of the success factors is the truly integrated approach: it deals with education, research, HR, outreach, communication, architecture and building design. The discussions we have and the steps we take both sand and shine at the same time. I am really proud of the IDEA Center team and this beautiful book!"
Mary Tupan-Wenno, director of ECHO Expertisecentrum Diversiteitsbeleid, was the host and moderator of the programme; she interviewed Semiha Denktaş and Rabin S. Baldewsingh, live on stage.
Rabin S. Baldewsingh: "Change has to come from within the organization. But an executive can make the difference. Do you put the brakes on or do you give diversity and inclusion a wide berth? The passionate people of the IDEA Center have proven that a focused approach, combined with unbridled dedication, pays off. Let others benefit from their advice, lessons and experiences so that this book is the beginning of an ever-expanding change in society. It won't all happen by itself, but pushing and pulling pays off. Keep up the good work!"
Semiha Denktaş - Chief Diversity Officer Erasmus University Rotterdam, and one of the authors: "We are incredibly proud of our book. We have tried to translate our experiences and knowledge at our university to make this book practical and applicable for various organizations in the Netherlands. We are also working on an English version of the book to be able to inspire as many people as possible."
EUR alumnus Imane Wijsman closed the programme with her performance of Where is the love.
- Professor
- More information
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access
Learn more about our IDEA Center at www.eur.nl/idea.
- Related content
