To leave no one behind, we need to slow down

In today’s fast-paced world, where efficiency often seems to take precedence over empathy, it's easy to lose sight of the essence of true inclusion. As a development practitioner, I've long championed the notion of "meeting people where they are" to ensure that no one is left behind. Lately, I have reflected on my work and questioned just how inclusive it was given that I was caught up in that very hyper-competitive and fast-paced world.

My recent introspection was prompted by a life-altering accident that forced me to take time off to recuperate. While I mourned the loss of certain physical abilities, I found solace and strength in the support of family, friends, and colleagues. Through this period of slowing down, I realized the profound significance of empathy and understanding.

Now, as I work through the next chapter of my life, I want to reaffirm the innate human inclination towards cooperation by infusing my work with greater thoughtfulness and compassion. Rather than rushing through projects in pursuit of quick solutions, I am taking the time to immerse myself in the lived experiences of those I seek to empower. In so doing, I learn that it is they who are empowering me to bravely face life and turn my disadvantages into opportunities.

I’m also reaching out to fellow designers working in the development space to see if and how they are re-evaluating inclusion. I want to co-explore with them how we can better engage participants so that previously disadvantaged voices are not only heard but also valued in the design process. Such conversations on inclusive participation in design are not new, so I intend to challenge my fellow designers to push boundaries by questioning their preconceived notions and long-held assumptions.

These dialogues with designers will be written up into a journal article that is due in May! (See, I signed up last year to write for a special issue journal publication with contributions from around the world. Now, my fellow contributors have refused to let me drop out. They are like, “You can do this Amollo, we believe in you.” ha-ha). Hopefully, my article will equip practitioners with the tools and insights needed to facilitate genuine access to opportunities for all.

Question:

Do you agree that we need to slow down to bring others along, especially those who have been left behind by our fast-paced economies? If not, what does inclusivity look like for you?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.