At Rotary, we are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard, and providing equitable opportunities for fellowship, service and leadership.
Connecting the Dots between DEI and Disease Prevention and Treatment
December is the Month of ‘Disease Prevention and Treatment’.
Rotary’s top priority is the eradication of polio, but our members take on far greater responsibilities to fight disease. Rotarians set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. Rotarians also design and build the infrastructure for doctors, nurses, governments, and partners to reach the one in six people in the world who cannot afford to pay for healthcare.
We believe good health care is everyone’s right. Yet 400 million people in the world cannot afford or do not have access to basic health care. Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us.
The core principle of DEI emphasizes that all individuals, regardless of their background, should have equal access to healthcare services. This includes not only treatment but also preventive measures, education, and resources that can help mitigate health disparities.
To effectively promote disease prevention, healthcare initiatives must be culturally sensitive and inclusive. This involves understanding the unique values and beliefs of diverse communities, employing culturally appropriate communication strategies, and building trust within these populations. By addressing these cultural differences, public health efforts can be more effective and equitable.
WHY DEI MATTERS?” SERIES
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December)
The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
2024 Theme: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
One of the priorities of the global disability agenda is to advance the agency and leadership of persons with disabilities. Increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and promoting their leadership in all areas of life will ensure their inclusion in all aspects of society.
An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us.
Invisible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities or non-visible disabilities (NVDs), are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. They are typically chronic illnesses and conditions that significantly impair normal activities of daily living.
For example, some people with visual or auditory disabilities who do not wear glasses or hearing aids, or who use discreet hearing aids, may not be obviously disabled. Some people who have vision loss may wear contact lenses.
Invisible disabilities can also include issues with mobility, such as a sitting disability like chronic back pain, joint problems, or chronic pain. People affected may not use mobility aids on some days, or at all, because severity of pain or level of mobility may change from day to day.
Driving Innovation Through Inclusion
Embracing disability as an integral part of DEI can drive innovation. Diverse teams, including those with members who have disabilities, are more likely to approach problems creatively and develop solutions that cater to a wider audience. By leveraging the unique experiences and insights of individuals with disabilities, organizations can enhance their productivity and adaptability, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society that benefits everyone.
DISTRICT DEI SEMINAR – 2 NOVMEBER 2024
Held on Saturday 2 Nov 2024 at Club Lusitano, Central, the District DEI Seminar 2024-2025 revolved around the theme “Change Your Mindset, Create a Sense of Belonging” attracting over 60 Rotarians and Rotaractors keen on embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Rotary community.
The event commenced with inspiring opening remarks by DG Nigel Lo, followed by a comprehensive discourse by PDG Ada Cheng, emphasizing the significance of DEI and fostering a sense of belonging within Rotary.
Keynote speakers Peter Wong, Olivia Wong and Anne Yeung each delivered powerful presentations on inclusivity. Peter, the visually impaired Deputy CEO of Dialogue in the Dark (HK) Foundation, advocated for viewing individuals not as disabled, but as unique beings – “People with Differences” – with their own right to dream, to play and to work. Olivia, MTR’s General Manager in Environmental & Social Responsibility, highlighted the company’s initiatives to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, including ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, through specialized traineeship programs. Anne shared her own personal journey of marrying her wife, as well as her work as the Director of Public Relations for Pink Dot Hong Kong, which organizes an annual LGBTQIA+ event celebrating diversity in Hong Kong.
Apart from the compelling insights shared by the speakers, the seminar also featured engaging and interactive sessions, including an open forum that allowed insightful exchanges between attendees and speakers. Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East and Rotary Club of The Hub Hong Kong showcased their DEI-focused service projects, illustrating how Rotary can promote DEI within the community. The event culminated in a DEI Round The Globe Quiz, challenging participants to reflect on their understanding of DEI’s true essence. Attendees left the seminar enriched with diverse perspectives and a renewed commitment to championing DEI within Rotary and beyond.
