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- Talk
- 19/09/2023
- UK
BOTA/BOA: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Surveys
Description
The talk presented by Kohila Sigamoney focuses on the findings from several surveys conducted as part of efforts to address discrimination in orthopedics. Kohila expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak and emphasizes the importance of viewing the survey results positively, mentioning that data can help create awareness and drive change. The surveys aim to assess the presence of discrimination or barriers within the field, particularly concerning protected characteristics under UK law.
In her presentation, Kohila shares statistics revealing that 59% of respondents reported having faced discrimination, while 73% witnessed it. She highlights the main types of discrimination reported, which include racism and gender discrimination, with specific statistics referencing the experiences of higher specialty trainees. Kohila also discusses the concept of 'same feature discrimination,' where individuals face bias from those with similar backgrounds.
The conversation touches on the challenges respondents face when attempting to report discrimination, with many feeling their concerns will not lead to change or positive outcomes. Kohila emphasizes the need for open discussions about racism and the importance of mentorship from diverse backgrounds to foster improvement in the workplace.
The Q&A section invites inquiries regarding trends in survey results over time. Kohila acknowledges that while they haven't established clear trends yet, anecdotal evidence suggests there may be a growing commitment to inclusivity compared to previous years. She expresses hope for the possibility of running future surveys to assess improvements.