Episode 5: Rosebell Abwonji on Designing (Inclusive) Environments
What has design got to do with women, conservation, and communities? In this episode I’m excited to bring you Rosebell Abwonji who is a champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the conservation space. In this rich and thought provoking conversation we explore the embedded tension that lies between inclusion and diversity, especially when it comes to women in the complex context of conservation in Africa.
Rosebell speaks about how and why we need to design more inclusive environments that are able to uphold and embrace the diversity needed to make conservation successful. She speaks to how good design can only be created when we take time to appreciate the nuances of the specific environment and cultural systems we are in. How important it is in the search for solutions for us to keep an open-mind, and not dismiss ideas or beliefs that counter our own. She also profoundly shares why we need to stop obsessing about creating more seats at the table, and instead focus on how to create new tables, new chairs and new rooms.
This conversation was such a gift, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed having it.
More about Rosebell Abwonji:
Rosebell is an incredible advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in conservation in Africa. Driven by her passion for serving others, she has become a champion for building learning environments that support growth and diversity in Kenya. She has taken the lessons learned from working in numerous roles from marketing, administration, operations and human resources within the private and not-for-profit sectors, into conservation. Where she now works, leading human resources and administration in a community based conservation organisation. In her spare time, Rosebell likes to read, cook and watch the breath-taking fiery sunsets over the Maasai Mara, that we all dream about.
You can find out more about Rosebell and the topic of women in conservation here:
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Thank you to Kabbalistic Villagefor the music!
