We see diversity as a core principle of our work, which can be seen in the inclusion and representation of individuals from different backgrounds, including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, abilities, and sexual orientation. The INCLUDE+ projects aim to value and celebrate diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise. (e.g., professional, lived)
Diversity matters in digital equity work because it ensures that solutions are relevant, accessible, and responsive to the unique needs of different communities. By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, projects can better address digital gaps, fostering more inclusive and empowering digital environments for everyone.
What does meaningful digital inclusion mean at the INCLUDE+?
We want to be aware of some of the existing limitations and pitfalls of the so-called ‘performative diversity’ and ‘tokenistic inclusion’. Our INCLUDE+ Process is meant to be grounded in realistic approaches to diversity which will hopefully allow for (1) listening and amplifying diverse voices; (2) providing support; (3) regular check-ins and assessment of our processes; (4) talking actionable steps towards systemic change (even if these steps are very little).
We see our diversity principle as being attuned to the ways privileges and assumptions close down different ways of knowing or seeing the world and trying to change that. We can’t build diversity into projects if we silence the diverse voices in our projects because of how we have structured the activities or because of who gets to speak for whom.
Diversity: examples of critical questions for you to consider for your IN+ Project.
| Diversity across IN+ Projects | Questions |
| Recognising expertise and local understanding of diversity | How does your project ensure that all forms of expertise, including lived experiences, are recognised and integrated into the project design and delivery? How can you co-create a local understanding of diversity? |
| Building collaborative structures | What structures and processes are in place to encourage regular reflection, shared planning, and collective decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included throughout the project? |
| Embracing participatory methods | How do you plan to explore the issues within your project using participatory methods? Are there existing, local community practices you can build on or integrate into your approach? |
| Listening and learning from diversity (and its limitations) | In what ways does your project aim to listen to and learn from diverse voices, and how are you ensuring that these voices influence the direction and outcomes of your digital equity initiatives? |
One of our IN+ART projects, led by The Pranava Institute x Udisha Madan, approached the principle of diversity by engaging young people in India to collaboratively explore how they experience joy on the internet. Through a participatory and inclusive design, the project hosted a virtual workshop with individuals from diverse backgrounds, focusing on how language, region, gender, media, and access shape their digital experiences. Participants shared their unique ways of navigating digital platforms to find content and communities that resonate with their cultural identities, using these platforms for entertainment, education, and social participation. The workshop also opened up conversations about diverse needs related to digital well-being, with participants discussing how they curate their online experiences to reclaim agency and stay connected to their identities.
Photo by Charlotte Durham