The Diversity and Inclusion: Current backlash and responses from the global south – “Inclusive for Who? Voices from the Edges” Townhall took place on 4 July 2025. The meeting focused on inclusion and diversity, featuring presentations from various speakers who shared their experiences and insights on challenges faced by marginalized communities in different regions. Discussions covered topics such as the “illusion of inclusion,” intersectionality, and the complexities of diversity in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the struggles of LGBTQ+ communities in the MENA region and the importance of cultural context in addressing inclusion issues. The session concluded with reflections on the presentations, emphasizing the need for intentional approaches to diversity and inclusion, and participants were encouraged to complete a survey to help develop guidelines.
Presenters:
Arya Kharel – WOSSO
Lusanda Mamba – Marang Fund
Menka Goundan – ARROW
Maria Fahmy
Summary of presentations
- Breaking Barriers for True Inclusion
Arya Kharel discussed the challenges of diversity and inclusion, highlighting the “illusion of inclusion” where representation does not necessarily mean participation. She shared examples of women being excluded from decision-making roles despite being elected, and the impact of stereotypes and family resistance on women’s advancement. Arya emphasized the importance of allyship and building capacity to address root causes, rather than focusing on quick wins. She concluded by urging a commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone belongs by choice and design. - Intentional Diversity in Asia Pacific Region
Menka Goundan discussed the complexities of diversity and inclusion in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting the importance of an intentional approach rather than a checklist exercise. She explored challenges such as complex identity politics, shared histories, and colonial legacies that affect the region. Menka emphasized the need for intersectionality in feminist praxis and the importance of considering multiple identities when working towards diversity and inclusion. Menka shared her personal identities and experiences, highlighting her Indian descent, Pacific upbringing, and status as a descendant of indentured laborers, while also acknowledging her privileges as an educated, independent woman. She emphasized the importance of creating intentional, inclusive communities that address power dynamics and privilege, and discussed the concept of “bringing people to the table” in the context of climate negotiations. Menka also stressed the need for a values-based approach in advocacy work, focusing on feminist principles like intersectionality, respect, and inclusivity, and warned against a checklist approach that fails to consider the lived experiences of diverse groups. - Challenges of Inclusive Development
Lusanda Mamba discussed the challenges of inclusion work, highlighting institutional resistance, silencing, and donor-driven frameworks that often prioritize Western values over local contexts. She emphasized the importance of radical intentionality, intersectional leadership, storytelling, language justice, and authentic solidarity to foster genuine inclusion and justice. - LGBTQ+ Rights in Mena Region
Maria Fahmy, as a feminist and technical lead for the WOSSO program in the MENA region, shared her personal experiences with intersectionality and introduced her presentation on diversity, inclusion, and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in the Mena region, with a focus on ethnicity and religion. Maria Fahmy discussed the challenging legal, social, and political contexts for LGBTQ+ communities in the MENA region, highlighting how exclusion based on ethnicity and religion contributes to conflicts. She noted that same-sex relationships are largely illegal in the region, with religious and cultural beliefs often cited as reasons for discrimination. Maria also touched on how authoritarian regimes use LGBTQ+ rights as a pretext to suppress human rights movements, using Egypt as an example. She compared the experiences of Lebanon, Tunisia, and Egypt, noting that while Lebanon has more freedom for LGBTQ+ organizations to operate, Tunisia has seen some progress with the recognition of an LGBTQ+ rights organization, despite ongoing legal and social challenges. Egypt, however, faces significant oppression with minimal organized activism.
Maria Fahmy shared the tragic story of Sarah Higazi, an LGBTQ+ activist from the MENA region who was imprisoned and tortured after raising a rainbow flag at a concert in 2017. Despite seeking asylum in Canada, Sarah struggled with PTSD and eventually committed suicide in 2020, leaving behind a farewell letter expressing forgiveness. Maria emphasized that while activism in the MENA region faces significant challenges, local organizations should lead advocacy efforts to avoid perceptions of Western interference, particularly given the region’s ongoing conflicts and diversity.
African Identity and Colonial Influence
The conversation ended with reflections and closing remarks. Michelle commended Lusanda’s presentation on the evolution of African culture and identity, highlighting how colonial influences have shaped societal norms. Arya shared impactful quotes from the speakers, including Menka’s question about table shapes, Maria’s discussion on multiple identities, and Lusanda’s emphasis on inclusion as justice. Arya thanked all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions and reminded attendees to complete a survey on diversity and inclusion to help develop guidelines.