Intersectionality and what’s lost in translation: what and how can funders and grant donors do to support self-determination and economic empowerment of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people’s organisations in London. Part 2

In January 2023, BME Volunteers CIC wrote to 430 UK Public Authorities. Our findings unveil that there is a distinct lack of “by and for” (Black-Owned or Black–led) provisions for African and African Caribbean People' compared to other ethnicities.  As an ethnic group, we compare unfairly with regard to equitable access to adequate and appropriate public services, social spaces, and activities. Often, we are aggregated as Black or Brown to meet the equality act public sector duty by decision-makers. This often leads to feelings of loneliness and depression, which can have a significant impact on an individual's visible and invisible health.

Intersectionality and what’s lost in translation: what and how can funders and grant donors do to support self-determination and economic empowerment of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people’s organisations in London.

Introduction

“If time is a finite resource and everything else infinite! What does currency mean to you?”

Funders and grant donors play a crucial role in supporting the self-determination and economic empowerment of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London.

To effectively support our community, commissioners, funders, and grant donors should consider the following actions:

1. Prioritise Intersectionality

Recognise and prioritise the intersectional experiences of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This means understanding the unique challenges we face due to our race, disability, and neurodivergent identities.

Funders and commissioners should ensure that their funding systems before, during and after applications, criteria and priorities explicitly address the needs of these communities.

2. Provide Accessible and Flexible Funding

Recognise that African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations may require flexible funding to address their specific needs.

This includes funding for capacity-building, training, and resources that support self-determination and economic empowerment.

Flexible funding allows organizations to adapt their strategies and activities to meet the diverse and contingent needs of our communities.

3. Support Organisational Development

Provide funding and resources for organisational development, including governance training, strategic planning, and financial management.

This support will enable organizations to build their capacity and sustainability, ensuring long-term self-determination and economic empowerment.

4. Foster Collaboration and Networking

Encourage collaboration and networking among African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations.

This can be done by organizing networking events, facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms, and providing funding for collaborative projects.

Collaboration strengthens the collective voice and impact of these organizations, leading to greater self-determination and economic empowerment.

5. Promote Inclusive Employment Practices

Support our community to promote inclusive employment practices within African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations.

This includes funding for training programs, mentorship opportunities, and accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the workforce.

Inclusive employment practices contribute to the economic empowerment of individuals and the overall sustainability of organizations.

6. Invest in Language Access and Translation

Recognize the importance of effective communication and translation within these organizations. Provide funding for language access services, such as interpreters and translation services, to ensure that information and resources are accessible to all members of the community.

This investment will enhance the participation and engagement of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in organisational activities.

7. Engage in Meaningful Consultation

Involve African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in the decision-making processes of funders and grant donors.

This includes consulting with these organizations on funding priorities, strategies, and evaluation frameworks.

Meaningful consultation ensures that the funding process is inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community. ????

8. Emphasize Disability Community-led Approaches

Recognize the importance of community-led approaches in addressing the needs and aspirations of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

Funders should prioritise funding organizations that are rooted in the community and have a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic contexts in which they operate.

This ensures that funding is directed towards initiatives that are relevant, effective, and sustainable.

9. Support Advocacy and Policy Change

Provide funding for advocacy and policy change initiatives led by African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations.

This includes supporting efforts to influence policies, laws, and practices that impact the rights and inclusion of these communities.

By investing in advocacy, funders can help create systemic change that promotes self-determination and economic empowerment.

10. Foster Learning and Knowledge Exchange

Encourage learning and knowledge exchange among African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations.

This can be done through funding opportunities for conferences, workshops, and training programs that facilitate the sharing of best practices, strategies, and lessons learned.

By fostering learning and knowledge exchange, funders contribute to the growth and development of these organizations, enhancing their capacity to achieve self-determination and economic empowerment.

11. Monitor and Evaluate Impact

Ensure that funding is accompanied by robust monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the impact of investments.

This includes setting clear goals and indicators, collecting relevant data, and regularly reviewing progress.

By monitoring and evaluating impact, funders can make informed decisions and adjust strategies to maximize the effectiveness of their support.

12. Promote Collaboration with Other Funders

Collaborate with other funders and grant donors to leverage resources and maximize impact.

By pooling resources and coordinating efforts, funders can support larger-scale initiatives and address systemic barriers more effectively.

Collaboration also helps avoid duplication of efforts and ensures that funding is distributed in a coordinated and strategic manner. ????????

It is essential that African and African Caribbean Equality and Justice Community come together to work towards greater “by and for” diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility for all families.

 ????????Looking after our physical, psychological, and physiological well-being is vital. Here are 7 areas where small changes may make a big difference:

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How disproportionate is time cost, productivity cost, startup cost, staff cost, development cost, outreach and engagement cost, marketing and sales cost, sickness and lateness cost, complaints and feedback cost, opportunity cost and other cost for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people’s organisations in London. What’s lost in translation?

It is important to note that the specific costs and challenges faced by African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London can vary depending on various factors, including the size and scope of the organization, the specific needs, and priorities of the community they serve, and the resources available to them.

However, there are some common areas where these organizations may face disproportionate costs and challenges:

1. Time Cost

African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations may face additional time costs due to the need for culturally sensitive approaches and the intersectional nature of the issues they address.

This can include spending more time on community engagement, building trust, and developing tailored programs and services.

2. Productivity Cost

Organizations may face productivity costs due to the need for accommodations and support for neurodivergent individuals.

This can include providing flexible work arrangements, assistive technology, and training to ensure that all staff members can work to their full potential.

3. Start-up Cost

Starting a new organization can be challenging and costly for any group, and African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations may face additional barriers.

This can include limited access to funding, lack of representation and support, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

4. Staff Cost:

Organizations may face challenges in recruiting and retaining diverse staff members who have the necessary cultural competence and understanding of the intersectional issues faced by the community.

This can result in additional costs associated with recruitment, training, and professional development.

5. Development Cost

Developing programs and services that are inclusive and address the specific needs of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals may require additional resources. This can include conducting research, consulting with the community, and adapting existing models to be culturally sensitive and accessible.

6. Outreach and Engagement Cost

Engaging and reaching out to diverse communities can be resource intensive.

Organizations may need to invest in targeted outreach strategies, translation services, and community events to ensure that their programs and services are accessible and inclusive.

7. Marketing and Sales Cost

Organizations may face challenges in marketing and selling their products or services to diverse communities.

This can require additional resources for culturally sensitive marketing campaigns, translation services, and community partnerships.

8. Sickness and Lateness Cost

Organizations may need to invest in policies and practices that support the health and well-being of their staff, including accommodation for sick leave and flexible working arrangements.

This can result in additional costs associated with managing absences and ensuring continuity of services.

9. Complaints and Feedback Cost

Organizations may need to invest in robust feedback mechanisms and complaint resolution processes to ensure that the voices and concerns of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals are heard and addressed.

This can require additional resources for staff training, data management, and quality assurance.

10. Opportunity Cost

Organizations may face opportunity costs due to limited resources and competing priorities.

This can result in difficult decisions about which programs or initiatives to prioritise and invest in, potentially leaving some needs unmet.

11. Lost in Translation

Language barriers and cultural differences can pose challenges in communication and understanding. Organizations may need to invest in translation services, interpretation, and cultural competency training to ensure effective communication with diverse communities.

It is important for funders and grant donors to recognize and support the disproportionate costs and challenges faced by African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London.

By providing targeted funding, resources, and support, funders can help these organizations overcome barriers and effectively address the unique needs and experiences of their communities.

Scan the QR Code in the picture and complete the form to join our community or for more information, please Email equality@blackmajor.onmicrosoft.com. ????????

What is risk, opportunity cost and impact to London’s African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled peoples’ organisations of funders funding mental ill health services that don’t address the root cause: poverty?

Funders funding mental ill health services that do not address the root cause of poverty can have several risks, opportunity costs, and impacts on African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London.

These include:

1. Risk of perpetuating the cycle of poverty

By focusing solely on mental health services without addressing the root cause of poverty, funders may inadvertently perpetuate the cycle of poverty for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

Poverty can contribute to mental health challenges, and without addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors, individuals may continue to face barriers to economic empowerment and self-determination.

2. Missed opportunity to address systemic issues

Poverty is a systemic issue that affects various aspects of individuals' lives, including their mental health.

By not addressing poverty, funders miss an opportunity to tackle the systemic barriers and inequalities that contribute to mental health challenges among African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can limit the long-term impact of their funding and perpetuate the cycle of poverty and mental ill health.

3. Limited resources for holistic support

When funders prioritise mental health services without addressing poverty, it can result in limited resources for holistic support.

African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations may struggle to provide comprehensive services that address the interconnected needs of individuals, such as access to education, employment, housing, and social support.

This can hinder their ability to effectively support individuals in achieving self-determination and economic empowerment.

4. Inadequate impact on overall well-being

Focusing solely on mental health services without addressing poverty may result in limited impact on the overall well-being of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

Poverty can have a significant impact on various aspects of individuals' lives, including their access to healthcare, education, and social opportunities.

By not addressing poverty, funders may not fully address the underlying factors that contribute to mental ill health and limit the potential for individuals to thrive in all areas of their lives.

It is difficult to measure impact under these circumstances.

5. Missed opportunities for collaboration and systemic change

By not addressing poverty, funders may miss opportunities for collaboration and systemic change.

Poverty is a complex issue that requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and funders.

By focusing solely on mental health services, funders may miss opportunities to collaborate with organizations working on poverty alleviation and systemic change, limiting the potential for collective impact and sustainable solutions.

6. Limited sustainability

Funding mental health services without addressing poverty can result in limited sustainability for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations.

Poverty is a persistent issue that affects individuals' ability to access and sustain mental health services.

Without addressing the root cause of poverty, organizations may struggle to maintain their services and support individuals in the long term.

7. Missed opportunities for empowerment

Poverty can undermine individuals' sense of agency and self-determination. By not addressing poverty, funders may miss opportunities to empower African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals to overcome the barriers they face.

Economic empowerment and self-determination are crucial for individuals to have control over their lives and make meaningful choices.

By solely focusing on mental health services, funders may miss the chance to support individuals in achieving these goals.

8. Reinforcing systemic inequalities

Poverty is often rooted in systemic inequalities, including racism, discrimination, and lack of access to resources and opportunities.

By not addressing these systemic issues, funders may inadvertently reinforce the inequalities that contribute to poverty and mental ill health among African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can perpetuate the marginalization and exclusion of our communities and limit their ability to thrive.

9. Incomplete understanding of mental health challenges, stigma, and spirituality

Poverty can have a significant impact on individuals' mental health, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

By not addressing poverty, funders may have an incomplete understanding of the complex factors that contribute to mental health challenges among African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can result in limited effectiveness and impact of their funding, as they may not fully address the underlying factors that contribute to mental ill health.

10. Missed opportunities for Black Majority Ethnicity Disability Justice community-led solutions

African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations are often rooted in the communities they serve and have a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of their communities.

By not addressing poverty, funders may miss opportunities to support community-led solutions that are tailored to the specific context and needs of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can limit the effectiveness and relevance of the services provided.

11. Limited impact on social determinants of health

Poverty is a social determinant of health, meaning that it significantly influences individuals' overall well-being and access to healthcare.

By solely funding mental health services without addressing poverty, funders may have limited impact on the social determinants of health that contribute to mental ill health among African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can result in a narrow focus on individual-level interventions, rather than addressing the broader social and economic factors that shape health outcomes.

12. Missed opportunities for community development

Poverty affects not only individuals but also entire communities. By not addressing poverty, funders may miss opportunities to support community development initiatives that can uplift African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled communities.

This can include initiatives such as affordable housing, job training programs, and community infrastructure projects that can improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals.

13. Limited focus on social justice and equity

Poverty is closely linked to social justice and equity issues, including systemic racism, discrimination, and unequal distribution of resources.

By not addressing poverty, funders may miss opportunities to promote social and ethnic justice and equity for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can perpetuate existing inequalities and hinder progress towards a more just and equitable society.

14. Missed opportunities for policy change

Poverty is a complex issue that requires systemic change and policy interventions.

By solely funding mental health services without addressing poverty, funders may miss opportunities to advocate for policy changes that can address the root causes of poverty and improve the overall well-being of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can limit the potential for long-term, sustainable impact.

15. Limited collaboration and coordination

Poverty is a multifaceted issue that requires collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and funders.

By not addressing poverty, funders miss opportunities to collaborate with other organizations and leverage resources and expertise to address the complex challenges faced by African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This results in fragmented efforts and limited impact.

Reflections

Funding mental ill health services without addressing the root cause of poverty will have several negative impacts on African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London.

These include limited impact on social determinants of health, missed opportunities for community development, limited focus on social justice and equity, missed opportunities for policy change, and limited collaboration and coordination.

It is necessary for funders to take a comprehensive and intersectional approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and promotes social justice and equity to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

 How can funders work with London’s Black Majority Ethnicity Neurodivergent and Disabled people’s communities to support self-determination and long-term economic empowerment?

Funders can work with London's Black Majority Ethnicity (BME) Neurodivergent and Disabled people's justice communities to support self-determination and long-term economic empowerment in several ways:

1. Foster community-led initiatives

Funders can prioritise funding initiatives that are led by and centered around the BME Neurodivergent and Disabled communities in London.

This means actively seeking out and supporting organizations and projects that are rooted in the community and driven by the needs and aspirations of the community members themselves.

This approach ensures that the solutions and interventions are culturally relevant, responsive, and sustainable.

2. Provide capacity-building support

Funders can offer capacity-building support to BME Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London.

This will include providing training, “mentorship”, and resources to help these organizations strengthen their organisational capacity, leadership skills, and strategic planning.

By building the capacity of these organizations, funders can empower them to effectively advocate for the rights and needs of their communities and drive long-term economic empowerment initiatives.

3. Promote BME Funders and Allies Funding festival, working group collaboration and networking

Funders can facilitate our summer funding festival, collaboration, and networking opportunities among BME Neurodivergent and Disabled People's organizations in London.

This can include organizing and joining our funders and allies' working groups, attending workshops, conferences, and networking events where organizations can come together, share capacity-building plans and budgets, and hopefully secure funding and resources.

By fostering collaboration, funders can create a supportive ecosystem that encourages knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and collective action.

4. Support entrepreneurship and employment initiatives

Funders can provide financial support and resources to initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in London.

This can include funding business start-up programs, vocational training initiatives, and mentorship programs that help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the job market or start their own businesses.

By supporting economic empowerment initiatives, funders will help BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals gain financial independence and self-determination.

5. Advocate for policy change

Funders can use their influence and resources to advocate for policy changes that address the systemic barriers and inequalities faced by BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in London.

This can include advocating for inclusive employment policies, accessible housing initiatives, and anti-discrimination legislation.

By advocating for policy change, funders can create an enabling environment that supports the self-determination and economic empowerment of BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

6. Promote inclusive and accessible practices

Funders can encourage BME Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations in London to adopt inclusive and accessible practices in their programs and services.

This can include providing guidance and resources on how to make their physical spaces, communication materials, and activities more accessible to individuals with diverse needs.

By promoting inclusive and accessible practices, funders can ensure that BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from the initiatives supported.

7. Invest in education and skills development

Funders can support initiatives that provide education and skills development opportunities for BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in London. This can include funding scholarships, training programs, and workshops that help individuals acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their desired careers or start their own businesses. By investing in education and skills development, funders can empower BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals to overcome barriers to employment and achieve economic empowerment.

8. Provide access to financial resources

Funders can provide financial resources and support to BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in London.

This can include offering microloans, grants, or financial literacy programs that help individuals access capital, manage their finances, and start or expand their businesses.

By providing access to financial resources, funders can help BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals overcome financial barriers and build economic resilience.

9. Support mentorship and networking opportunities

Funders can facilitate mentorship and networking opportunities for BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in London.

This can include connecting individuals with mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support in navigating the job market or starting a business.

Additionally, funders can organize networking events where individuals can connect with potential employers, business partners, or mentors who can help them advance their careers or entrepreneurial ventures.

10. Promote inclusive hiring practices

Funders can encourage employers in London to adopt inclusive hiring practices that prioritise diversity and inclusion, including the hiring of BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can include providing incentives or recognition to employers who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their workforce.

By promoting inclusive hiring practices, funders can create more opportunities for BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals to access meaningful employment and economic empowerment.

11. Support community-based economic initiatives

Funders can support community-based economic initiatives that are led by BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in London.

This can include funding cooperative businesses, social enterprises, or community development projects that generate income and create employment opportunities within our community.

By supporting community-based economic initiatives, funders can empower BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals to take control of their economic futures and contribute to the overall development of their communities.

12. Foster partnerships with mainstream organizations

Funders can foster partnerships between BME Neurodivergent and Disabled people's organizations and mainstream organizations in London.

This can include collaborations with businesses, government agencies, or educational institutions to create employment or training opportunities for BME Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

By fostering partnerships, funders can leverage the resources and expertise of mainstream organizations to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for economic empowerment.

Black Neurodivergent & Disabled People's Decolonised & Authentic Voice, Fairness & Justice Community. Healing the #physical #psychological #physiological

✨"FOR THE CHILDREN, WITH THE CHILDREN, IN THE COMMUNITY"✨

Less money and more work: what does pragmatic accountability to “academic” intersectionality look and feel like for African and African third sector directors, chief executives and leads in London?

What’s lost in translation?

Pragmatic accountability involves applying the principles and concepts of intersectionality in a practical and meaningful way within organizations.

It means recognizing and addressing the intersecting forms of oppression and discrimination that African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals may face and taking concrete actions to promote equity and inclusion.

Here are some ways in which pragmatic accountability as opposed to academic intersectionality can look and feel like for African and African third sector leaders in London:

1. Understanding ‘black-led by and for’ intersectionality

Pragmatic accountability starts with a deep understanding of intersectionality and its implications for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This involves recognizing that individuals' experiences are shaped by multiple intersecting identities, such as race, disability, gender, and socioeconomic status, and that these identities interact to create unique experiences of discrimination and marginalization.

2. Incorporating intersectionality into organisational policies and practices

Pragmatic accountability requires integrating intersectionality into policies, practices, and decision-making processes.

This can include developing inclusive hiring and funding practices, creating diverse and representative leadership teams, and ensuring that organisational policies and programs are responsive to the needs and experiences of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

3. Engaging in ongoing learning and training

Pragmatic accountability involves a commitment to ongoing learning and training on intersectionality and related topics.

This should include attending BME workshops, conferences, and webinars, as well as engaging with black-led academic research and literature on intersectionality.

By continuously expanding knowledge and understanding, African and African third sector leaders can better advocate for the rights and needs of their communities.

4. Building partnerships and collaborations

Pragmatic accountability requires building untokenistic and sustainable partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, researchers, and other organizations that specialize in intersectionality and related fields.

This should involve seeking out opportunities for joint BME research projects, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.

By working together, African, and African third sector leaders can leverage academic expertise and resources to inform their work and drive positive change.

5. Amplifying marginalized voices

Pragmatic accountability involves actively seeking out and amplifying the voices and perspectives of marginalized African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This must include creating platforms for individuals to share their experiences, involving them in decision-making processes, and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued within the organization and in broader discussions on intersectionality.

6. Advocating for systemic change

Pragmatic accountability extends beyond individual organizations and involves advocating for systemic change to address the structural barriers and inequalities faced by African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can include engaging in policy advocacy, participating in coalitions and networks, and using their influence to push for changes at the societal level.

7. Creating inclusive and accessible spaces

Pragmatic accountability involves creating inclusive and accessible spaces within organizations that are welcoming and accommodating to African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can include providing physical accessibility, such as ramps and elevators, as well as ensuring that communication materials and events are accessible to individuals with diverse needs, such as providing alternative formats or sign language interpretation.

8. Collecting and analyzing intersectional data

Pragmatic accountability requires collecting and analyzing intersectional data to better understand the experiences and needs of African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can involve disaggregating data by race, disability, gender, and other intersecting identities to identify disparities and inform targeted interventions and programs.

9. Engaging in community outreach and education

Pragmatic accountability involves engaging in community outreach and education to raise awareness about intersectionality and its impact on African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can include organizing workshops, seminars, and community events to foster dialogue, share information, and promote understanding and empathy.

10. Allocating resources and funding

Pragmatic accountability requires allocating resources and funding to support initiatives that address the specific needs and challenges faced by African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals.

This can include funding research, advocacy campaigns, and community-based programs that promote equity, inclusion, and empowerment.

11. Evaluating and monitoring progress

Pragmatic accountability involves regularly evaluating and monitoring progress in implementing intersectionality within organizations.

This can include conducting internal audits, collecting feedback from staff and community members, and using data to assess the impact of initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

12. Engaging in self-reflection and self-critique

Pragmatic accountability requires African and African third-sector leaders to engage in self-reflection and self-critique to examine their own biases, privileges, and blind spots.

This involves being open to feedback, actively seeking out diverse perspectives, and continuously challenging and unlearning oppressive attitudes and behaviors.

Reflections

Pragmatic accountability for African and African third-sector leaders in London involves understanding intersectionality, incorporating it into organisational policies and practices, engaging in ongoing learning and training, building partnerships and collaborations, amplifying marginalized voices, advocating for systemic change, creating inclusive and accessible spaces, collecting and analyzing intersectional data, engaging in community outreach and education, allocating resources and funding, evaluating and monitoring progress, and engaging in self-reflection and self-critique.

By taking these actions, leaders can promote equity, inclusion, and empowerment for African and African Caribbean Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals in their organizations and communities.

If time is a finite resource and everything else infinite! What does currency mean to you?