D&I topics for e-learning
Gender⚓
Warning : Examples of what to avoid⚓
Stereotypes (e.g. all male managers, all male soldiers and all female assistants)
Advice : Guideline⚓
Include a mix of male and female characters in different positions. Also include marginalized genders (transgender people, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming people) if relevant and applicable.
Names⚓
Warning : Examples of what to avoid⚓
All Western names
Names that mean something inappropriate in some other languages
Advice : Guideline⚓
Diversify the names for characters and places. Use the context to guide you where relevant. If the scenario is set in a prison in Syria, pick names that would be realistic in that setting. If the scenario is an ICRC office with many delegates, you could pick a mix of names from many different countries.
Make sure that the names have no inappropriate meanings in any language.
Nationality/ race/ethnicity⚓
Age⚓
Disability⚓
Warning : Examples of what to avoid⚓
No mention or representation of characters with disabilities or impairments in the video (if possible)
Advice : Guideline⚓
Include persons with disabilities (e.g. in a wheelchair, with a walker/walking stick, with a prosthetic arm/leg/etc., with a hearing aid, with sunglasses and a cane, with glasses or with Down syndrome, etc.).
For example, if a scenario is set in a refugee camp, it would make sense to show people with different impairments. If you are talking about recruitment best practices, you can explicitly mention that some candidates may request reasonable accommodation.
Use of cultural references/symbols that are only understood/ approved in specific cultures⚓
Warning : Examples of what to avoid⚓
References to movies, famous people, situations or locations that only resonate with certain demographics
Using humour that isn't universally understood
References to music or symbols specific to one culture (e.g. cowboy references or music)
References to video games (e.g. Angry birds)
Using testimonies that come from people that may be considered adversaries in the training context (e.g. from the Israeli army in a training course intended for Palestinian people)
Using hand gestures that may be considered offensive in certain cultures (e.g. the thumbs up gesture or “Like” icon, which in some cultures has the same meaning as the Western middle finger)
Advice : Guideline⚓
To ensure that you use references that are universally relatable or understandable, consult with potential users and see if any concerns are flagged. If the training is global, consult a diverse group of people.
See how certain hand gestures have different meanings in different countries
Accents⚓
Use of inclusive language⚓
Warning : Examples of what to avoid⚓
Gendered language (his/her)
Jargon
Male-centred words (mankind, man-made, chairman, etc.)
Certain age references (e.g. elderly, young, etc.)
Advice : Guideline⚓
Use short sentences, a friendly tone and no obscure jargon unless it's necessary.
Use this short guidance on communicating about people affected by conflict.
See some examples from inclusive writing tips:
Instead of “man-made”, say “artificial”.
Instead of “best man for the job”, say “best person for the job”.
Instead of “every cast member should know his or her lines by Friday”, say “each cast member should know their lines by Friday”.
Instead of “the elderly”, “aged” and “old people”, say “older person”, “older people”, “older citizens” or “older adults”.
Instead of “young and vibrant team”, say “effective and vibrant team”.
Sexual orientation/ gender expression⚓
Warning : Examples of what to avoid⚓
Playing into stereotypes or caricatures (e.g. all gay people being flamboyant)
Mentioning someone's sexual orientation when it is irrelevant
Advice : Guideline⚓
Include examples of people with different sexual orientations and/or gender expressions if it is relevant for the course/scenario.