I recently had the opportunity to watch a thought-provoking talk held by The Women’s Chapter® B Corp Certified on LinkedIn. The conversation delved deep into the B Corp movement, its objectives, target audience, and its approach towards addressing equity and inclusion. The talk was a true eye-opener, and I jotted down some key insights that left a lasting impression:
Sustainability: A Privilege or a Right?
Aisling Connaughton’s poignant observation about sustainability struck a chord with me. She highlighted the stark reality that sustainability often seems like a privilege. When individuals are preoccupied with meeting basic needs such as putting food on the table, concerns about recycling and environmental impact understandably take a back seat.
“When you are worried about where your next meal is coming from you are not worrying about recycling.”
Aisling Connaughton
This perspective served as a powerful reminder of the intersectionality of sustainability and the pressing need to address social and economic disparities.
Women as Catalysts for Change
Michelle de Klerk’s assertion that women are the agents of change resonated deeply with me. Her words underscored the pivotal role that women play in steering the course towards a more sustainable and equitable future. It was a compelling reminder of the transformative power of gender diversity and the indispensable contributions of women in driving positive change.
The B Corp movement’s emphasis on fostering inclusivity and diversity extends beyond the Level program. B Corps across Europe have been leading the charge in promoting gender equity, with over 1,700 B Corps in 30 countries employing more than 150,000 workers. Notably, more than a third of European B Corps are woman-led, with 45% of them having a majority of female managers. This concerted effort to empower women and promote diversity within business leadership exemplifies the movement’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative future for all.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
One of the most impactful aspects of the talk was the emphasis on challenging the traditional narrative of white men being at the helm of companies. The B Corp movement aims to revolutionize this narrative, striving to ensure that women and people of colour are not only treated fairly but also included in decision-making processes. Megan Dacey passionately discussed the proactive steps taken to foster inclusivity within the B Corp framework, shedding light on the importance of embracing diversity at every level.
Megan Dacey, the Certification Program Manager at B Lab U.S. & Canada, has played a pivotal role in steering the Level program towards greater inclusivity. Her passionate advocacy for embracing diversity at every level has been instrumental in fostering an environment where women and entrepreneurs of colour are not only encouraged but actively supported in making a profound impact on their communities and industries. The proactive steps taken within the B Corp framework underscore the movement’s commitment to challenging the traditional narrative of white men dominating corporate leadership.
Race in Fashion
In my journey of delving into the complexities of race in the fashion industry, I have found resonance in the efforts of the B Corp movement. The proactive steps taken to foster inclusivity and promote diversity within leadership are not only inspiring but serve as a beacon of hope for a more equitable future.
As I continue to explore the intersection of race and inclusivity within the fashion industry, the transformative impact of the B Corp movement serves as a source of inspiration, underscoring the vital role of collective action in challenging traditional narratives and fostering a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.
