Earlier this month, France recoiled in horror as race and religious hatred led to a tragic loss of life in the country and reminded us of even greater numbers losing their lives further afield. A small step forward was taken over the last weekend in January as the European Diversity Conference was held in Paris. It aimed to bring diversity professionals and practitioners together to learn and share best practice and make a real difference to our lives. Experts made “a business case for diversity”: this might sound a bit dry and abstract, but in practice it means launching a phalanx of women, black and ethnic minority people and lesbians and gay men at a host of business leaders with the power to change Europe-wide businesses and institutions.
Joining the charge was our very own Cllr Rabina Khan. Hard though it is to spare her, even for just a couple of days, we let her go so she could join the panel of those who have won European Diversity Awards, speaking about how to make a practical difference.
Cllr Khan is recognised within the Diversity awards not only as a hard working local councillor and a Cabinet Member with drive and determination, but also for her creative work. The Conference programme paid tribute to her own writing and her partnership and consultancy work with major British broadcasters and other organisations which have produced literary and performance art.