To commemorate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we’re really happy to support #diversitytype, an amazing creative collaboration pioneered by our friends at the distillery.

When The Distillery talked to us about their creation of the the “world’s most diverse typeface” we knew we were 100% behind it. We’re committed to celebrating creative ways to shine a light on diversity in the workplace, celebrate our differences, unifying communities and cultures. The Diversity Type, really embodies individualism and expression through allowing users to select the characters that feel right for them, prioritising personal choice, while remaining part of something bigger.

This has been a truly collaborative project with over 308 creatives contributing to the project from 54 different countries. It really does go to show just how much diversity and inclusion sit at the heart for so many of us, and how a project like this can bring together individuals and communities from every intersectionality and walk of life.

"Diversity isn’t something to be solved; it’s an ongoing journey that will be forever changing, and the industry needs to recognise this. We hope that by creating awareness around this initiative, we will encourage others to think about how we can positively promote diversity and cultural intelligence, and act on improving their knowledge and understanding of diversity in all walks of life,” Steve Wheen, founder, distillery.

Having brands and varying organisations engaging in World Diversity Day through the use of the Diversity typeface, helps to further the conversation and set an example of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion across all industries.

We are all part of such a diverse wider community, and I think often we underestimate how much of an impact our own stories can have. The way that diversity is shown in the typeface is through the variety of people who have contributed, but the act of inclusion is how we then weave the typeface into society and give those people a voice.

One small step for equality - one giant leap for change

As a parent I’m very fast to make sure my kids understand the difference between appearances and reality on anything they see on TV or social media. I work hard with them to make sure they understand the perfectly curated stories before them only show what the person wants them to see, and it’s not all as glamorous and easy as it looks.

Even so, as an adult it’s difficult not to get swept away by the stories we read. Every day I go on social media or open a newspaper and read about an amazing woman who inevitably has a string of accolades after her name and is being recognised for her superhuman endeavours to make the world a better place. Each time I see this a little part of me curls up in self despair at my own limitations in achieving their high ideals.

I have to consciously take a step back and remind myself that the high flying woman in the city, the wife of the President of the United States, the TV personality who has pushed through all sorts of personal issues have the platform and resource behind them providing the support they need to push through. There’s no denying they’re amazing women, with amazing stories, doing amazing work. But I need to accept I will never be one of them. Not because I’m holding myself back (The only thing stopping you, is you (!!)) but because I’m not in media or politics, am not ‘known’ by people and certainly don’t have unlimited financial resources. I’m a small fish in a massive pond and there are very few people who want to listen to me.

But that’s OK. I can still try and change things, even in a small way, in my way. It doesn’t make my efforts any less worthwhile than the women in the media. I don’t need to have a big platform or large audience of followers. I just need the will. The will to make a difference.  Because if we all try to change just one thing, however small, the effect on the world will be huge. Together Equal. #togetherstronger #daretochallenge

What do you #Choosetochallenge in 2021?

Together Equal was born on International Women’s Day 2018 with the purpose of creating content that gives people the tools to begin conversations around all sorts of topics. We’ve come a long way over the last 3 years, to become a profit with purpose business generating revenue from our Corporate Workshops that fund our school programme. Every corporate workshop we run pays for a 10 week programme for a primary or secondary school.

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, and our 3rd birthday, Neve Taylor our Corporate Training Lead and Chief Storyteller was interviewed by Currencycloud.  The theme for IWD this year is #Choosetochallenge and here’s what Neve has chosen to focus on. Listen to the full podcast here.

“To celebrate IWD 2021 I #choosetochallenge by calling out gender bias and inequality, question stereotypes, help forge an inclusive world. With Together Equal we have the privileged position to be able to support and encourage people to own their voice and promote inclusivity. We run corporate workshops that help women in particular be heard in organisations and all the profits go back into schools to help young people understand that we all have a voice.

I chose this because lockdown has brought mental health issues to light for both men and women. Women journey through profoundly different stages during their lives that can be personally and professionally challenging to navigate.. As I approach 50, I want to help women understand the natural and inevitable changes they are going through and how that can affect their work and relationships. It’s vital to encourage women to accept their evolving states, own their own self care and not try to be like a man to get ahead. Vive la difference! Diversity is nature in action.”

What will you #choosetochallenge?

Find our more about our workshops here.

Neve's career started in the theatre as a professional actress for 10 years before making the leap into Corporate Training and becoming an NLP Master Practitioner. Her next decade was spent at Apple and Google, leading their Worldwide Sales Training Programs and working closely on delivering L&D projects with HR. After leaving Google she founded Speaker Studio to help people find their voice in organisations, over 90% of her clients were women of diverse backgrounds who struggled to be heard. In 2020 Neve joined Together Equal, a Profit-with-Purpose company, who deliver Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training to Corporates. Those profits fund a free school training programme to promote acceptance and diversity, helping young people live, learn and work in harmony with the world around them. Neve’s passion is helping all kinds of people find their voice. Her purpose is helping companies create a culture which is inclusive, driving innovation, attracting diverse talent, increasing profitability and above all, brimming with happy humans at work