Introduction

‘The Basis for Bias – Distilled Wisdom or Prejudice?’ at FICCI’s first Conclave on Diversity and Inclusion

‘The Basis for Bias – Distilled Wisdom or Prejudice?’ at FICCI’s first Conclave on Diversity and Inclusion

FICCI organised the first Conclave on Diversity and Inclusion ‘India@75 – Being Diverse, Inclusive, and Better for all’ in New Delhi with multiple sessions. Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director was at the panel titled ‘The Basis for Bias – Distilled Wisdom or Prejudice?’, which took place on July 6 2022.

Other speakers in the panel included Nitu Bhushan (CHRO South Asia, Pernod Ricard), Bhawna Kirpal Mital (Head – HR, Admin, IT, CSR, Hero Future Energies) and Pallavi Kumari (D&I Head, Reliance Industries Ltd.) moderated by Zainab Patel (Head of D&I, Pernod Ricard).

Nidhi questioned the seeming binary of conscious and unconscious bias, and spoke about how bias need not be a conscious thought — unconscious bias can seep into everyday action. She also highlighted the role of access, not just in formal exchange, but also informal communication that includes physical and digital spaces like chat boards and hangout spaces.

To tackle this problem, recognition that such unconscious and implicit biases do indeed exist was put forward as an important step. Leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion was put forth as another vital aspect of the solution, as well as needing to shift our mindset from a charity model.

“Inclusion is not charity, inclusion is an essential step in affirming human rights for all.”