The beloved American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, once said, "...

in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." This excerpt remains as significant today as it was in the past. Embracing diversity is vital in every facet of society, from our communities to our workplaces.

While strides have been made in women's representation in the workplace, significant progress is still needed for underrepresented communities, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community. When it comes to a modern vibrant workplace, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just ideals to strive for, but pillars upon which success is built. Among these pillars, ‘allyship’ stands as a testament to the collective strength that arises when individuals come together to support one another.

Top of Form As per a report from 2023 by Diversity for Social Impact, companies embracing diverse allyship programmes experience a 21% increase in employee engagement compared to those without such initiatives. This diversity acts like the various pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, coming together to form a complete and inclusive work environment.Bottom of Form The following makes a great ally:- Practice empathy: It’s extremely powerful to hear someone say, “I get you.

I understand. I see why you feel this way.” Empathy is what makes human relationships, humane.

How to be empathetic? Seek out resources and engage in open conversations to understand the challenges faced by underrepresented gro.