Beyond the Labels
The Rotaract club of the University of Colombo School of Computing in Colobaration with Rotaract Club of Faculty of Arts and Rotaract Club of Senkadagala organized a special program for Rotaract week 2023 , with the topic "Beyond the Labels". The program aimed to create a respectful and diverse workplace for everyone and enhance professionalism and workplace diversity in an LGBTQ society. The program was carried out for the undergraduates of the University of Colombo.
The program included two sessions on the topics of bullying and workplace harassment, and allyship for diversity and inclusion. The program was designed to incorporate itself as a safe space and outlaw discrimination and harassment based on various bases. The ultimate purpose of the program was to level up the unwritten code of conduct for future business settings that the undergraduates of the University of Colombo will have to interact with.
The first session was conducted on the 14th of March 2023 by Bhoomi Harendran, a human rights activist and executive director at the National Transgender Network-Sri Lanka. In the session, she shared her personal life experiences and insights on bullying and workplace harassment. The undergraduates learned about the effects of bullying and harassment and how to prevent it in the workplace. The session aimed to provide insights into the negative impacts of bullying and harassment on the workplace, and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment.
The second session was held on the 16th of March 2023, where Shanuki De Alwis, an advocacy and communications consultant and talk show host, shared her thoughts on being an ally for diversity and inclusion. In this session, she spoke about how to create a safe and inclusive environment in the workplace and how to combat discrimination based on various factors. The aim of this session was to inspire the audience to become allies for diversity and inclusion and to take action against discrimination and harassment.
The program was well planned and executed by the Professional Development Avenue of Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo School of Computing. The club promoted the program through various channels, including social media and word of mouth, which resulted in a good turnout. The program was not just about listening to speakers but also involved panelists and people sharing their life stories. The audience had the opportunity to ask questions as they were interactive sessions. The program was executed smoothly, and the feedback from the audience was positive.
The Beyond the Labels program was a successful initiative by the Professional Development Avenue of Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo School of Computing for the Rotaract Week 2023 March. The program was well received by the audience and it provided a platform for open discussions and sharing of experiences. The program's outcomes were measurable, with feedback from the audience indicating that they had gained valuable knowledge and insights from the sessions. The program's success shows the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment in the workplace and the power of allyship for diversity and inclusion. The Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo School of Computing's program is a testament to the club's commitment to promoting workplace diversity and professionalism.
By: Rtr. Aadhila Ramzan