Women's History Month is the month in which societies take a moment to recognize and amplify women in all their diversity. March also serves as a reminder of the remaining gaps in gender inequality throughout the world. For us, at the Diversity & Inclusion network at Swiss TPH, this time has become much more, as it marks the inauguration of the network. Our very first event held during International Women's Day on 8 March 2019 was a panel celebrating women working at Swiss TPH, marking a point of no return for many of us. The panel triggered thoughts, discussions, and a wave of conversations that still continue today.

This year's International Women's Day theme, #ChoosetoChallenge, involved choosing to challenge the status quo every day, not necessarily with big decisions to change the world but with seemingly small everyday decisions that can lead to great impact. That's exactly how three Swiss TPH employees (Layla Hasler, Tamsin Lee and Carmen Sant) started this network over two years ago. In a cafe near Swiss TPH, the three of us decided to address similar conversations we were having on a one-on-one basis with colleagues - conversations about work-life balance, coping with rejection, career opportunities, and differing societal expectations - challenging the status quo. (Acknowledging that we are predominately white, privileged women).

Embracing differences

Within the D&I network, we aim to build a more inclusive, supportive and welcoming culture at Swiss TPH that empowers employees, regardless of gender identification, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, age, etc. to integrate a diversity and inclusion perspective in every aspect of their work. We believe it is our responsibility as an institute to establish policies, structures and working mechanisms to ensure everyone is included. The D&I network will additionally also work towards the creation of a D&I ecosystem locally, and in collaboration with national and international partners.

From the first meeting onwards, we learned to acknowledge differing viewpoints. We’ve experienced first-hand the benefit of a safe space to explore different outlooks and the value of embracing diverse opinions. This attitude has enticed others to lead debates, share personal stories, support fellow peers, and ultimately develop a structure for people to collaborate and think about how we make our institution, society and lives a more welcoming place for everyone.

The power of diversity and inclusion

Perhaps it is unsurprising that our network was created and is run on a completely volunteer basis, and continues to grow. We are a scientific institute after all, and research consistently shows that diversity in the workplace, with proper strategic planning, is associated with better organizations’ results, sustainability, and employee morale.

Our promotion of equality and diversity ripples throughout the institute, and we believe that we contribute to the pride that our colleagues feel to be part of Swiss TPH. The number of passionate volunteers and allies continues to grow, with each person bringing new energy and suggestions. We currently have groups working on topics such as making the new building diversity compliant, discussing Black Lives Matter and colonialism in global health, running a new pilot mentorship programme, collaborating with external partners on events, and much more.

A different kind of year

2020 wasn’t an easy year for any of us. Just a year ago, when we were finalizing the preparations for the celebration of our first anniversary, the pandemic hit Switzerland. Since then, we’ve adapted, remained flexible and connected. We have shown that the network's values are critical for us as an institute and have become a guiding principle in Swiss TPH’s strategy 2020-2024. We will continue to promote diversity and inclusion, choose to challenge, and offer engagement for all our colleagues.

Below are a few testimonies and stories of some of these people. These are only some examples of the great number of volunteers behind the network. None of our achievements is due to one of us, it’s been the power of people.