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April is Diversity Month, a time that demands coming together more than ever to celebrate the plurality of our diverse communities and workplaces. It reminds us we are rational, logical humans who are different, inside and outside, but a species that can surpass its differences to celebrate humanness.

I want to take this opportunity and remind you that celebrating diversity is not just about being politically correct, mixing in the mob, or checking a box. It’s about seeking a more representative society in all spheres of life where everyone has access and opportunity to achieve.

I’ve been committed to increasing diversity for a long time now, and while my original focus was on understanding the historical context of underrepresentation and marginalization in the United States, Team JTC has broadened its research to better understand what this looks like on a global level.

We dove into the diverse landscape of 30 countries across four regions—Latin America, Northern America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions—focusing on the largest economies in each. We tracked the footprints of Fortune 500 companies and how they are represented regionally in each geographical division. And we discovered three gems that I can’t keep to myself.

So, of many exciting findings from our latest research, here are a few I wanted to share with you:

Learning Gem #1: Localization is Key

Every country has a unique understanding of DEI, shaped by its history, culture, geography, and education. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) must understand these differences and tailor their DEI strategies accordingly.

DEI is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, and there’s no cookie-cutter solution that fits every society. That is why businesses must embrace a tailored approach and adapt to the unique nuances of each community. It is crucial to understand that every society is on its own journey toward inclusion and to show respect for the marginalized communities within them. Businesses should adopt a personalized, country-specific approach while creating a diverse and inclusive environment that truly represents the communities they serve.

Learning Gem #2: LGBTQ+ Community is Still Facing Challenges

Even though we’ve made progress in North America and Europe, much is yet to be done to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community feels included everywhere. In some countries, the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting for basic legal rights, while in others, like LATAM, we’re seeing positive changes in the form of new legislation supporting rights and equity. For example, the Chilean Congress approved same-sex marriage in December 2021.

However, public opinion still remains a challenge, with mixed views toward the LGBTQ+ community, which indicates a degree of marginalization.

Learning Gem #3: Women and the Pay Gap

Our research revealed that discrimination against women is rampant in many countries, including those with higher HDIs (Human Development Index). From Argentina to South Korea, the fight for gender pay equity is ongoing, with governments and organizations working to eliminate bias and prejudice toward women. Despite efforts like the Swiss Parliament’s proposal calling for better representation of women at C-level positions, Switzerland still has a low percentage of women on committees and a low score for women CEOs.

So, what can we do about it?

If you’re part of an MNE, you’re faced with the challenge of navigating DEI roadblocks in different countries and sometimes in different cities of the same country. To truly make an impact, it’s crucial that your DEI approach is localized, tailored, and specifically attuned to the needs and current status of each country or city you operate in.

As employers, it’s our responsibility to lead the charge toward inclusivity—not just within our organizations but in the wider community as well. We must understand the underlying issues and concerns of marginalized communities and create a diverse and inclusive workplace that opens itself up to fresh ideas and perspectives.

If you want us to share our global insights with you, check out our e-book series What Increasing Diversity Looks Like Globally: A Brief Introduction to Marginalization, Equity, and the Impact on Recruiting. Get ready to broaden your horizons and learn how we can drive meaningful change in the world of diversity.