When we speak about representation in the context of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), we’re most often referring to whether an organisation or institution is truly reflective of the many diverse people that make up society. For many organisations, representation refers specifically to whether the organisation contains a proportionate number of women or people from black, Asian or otherwise minoritised ethnicity backgrounds, at all levels and reflective of society.
The term refers most often to our personal views on whether we as individuals see people who are “like us” in positions of power or influence, or in senior leadership positions within an organisation. Representation is also important in the images that we see in advertising, on our television and movie screens and in magazines and other forms of media. Representation is important for our own sense of self-esteem and self-worth, as it allows us to see opportunities and possibilities where we may not have otherwise seen them, reinforcing that we truly matter and are included in society.
A good example of the power of representation is where people from otherwise minoritised groups are appointed into senior or leadership positions, maybe for the first time in an organisation or institution’s history. This allows those people from similar backgrounds or identities to aspire to comparable success, knowing that achieving such success is possible.
Another good example of the power of representation can be seen where otherwise excluded groups are included, catered to, or seen for the first time in some otherwise long-standing exclusionary practice. One powerful example can be seen where the first black or Asian toy dolls are produced after a long period where only white-skinned dolls were available previously. For young black or Asian girls, this would be the first time that they saw a doll that “looked like them”, giving them a powerful message that they are being represented and that they belong.
