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Promoting diversity


A new, black member, Te Voice’s Izin Akhabau asks unions to listen to under-represented groups


became the youngest person to report on the News at Ten aſter being selected as an apprentice journalist. She is passionate about the need for


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a more diverse media industry and for unions to atract young members from all backgrounds, so she produced a video on geting into journalism [htps://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zCG59Luxgng&t=442s] for the charity TRiBE, which helps black women develop fulfilling careers. Izin had always meant to join the NUJ, but it was only recently, aſter a union rep invited her to join, that she signed up. “I finished my half- completed application and thanked her for prompting me,” she said. She says if unions want to involve under-represented groups, they need to start by speaking to them: “Ask them what kind of event they would find interesting, rather than running one and hoping they come. I would certainly go along to an event on how your union rep can help you tackle racism (or discrimination) at


zin Akhabau has just started a new role as online editor at Te Voice, Britain’s black national newspaper. She started her career at the BBC, where she


work. “Te solution is not just to get more women, non-white, working class, disabled, young or LGBTQI+ people to become members. It’s about whether they are able to say things – even things that will make you, as well-meaning members and leaders, uncomfortable – and, most importantly, whether their words will result in action.” If people are not included in the


organisations for which they work, these firms become unsuitable for them – which further fuels underrepresentation, she believes. “As a black women member, would I


feel comfortable talking to a rep about racism and all the micro-aggressions black people feel undermine them at work? Would the rep feel comfortable answering? We become so accustomed to not saying these things, that it becomes scary to even consider talking about them,” she said. “I imagine every union rep will support people in brilliant ways, both big and small. Tere are always people doing excellent work which is not properly


recognised. As a recent member, I cannot profess to know all the details, but I wanted to hear what the union was saying about why there were so few black people in senior leadership, or what kept pushing black people to leave the organisation I worked for.” Industry figures show the UK media is 94 per cent white and at senior levels in television black and minority ethnic representation stood at just 8 per cent. Te NUJ is working within the media to end the barriers BME journalists face, its George Viner charity has provided bursaries and support for almost 200 young BME students, many of whom have gone to successful careers and are now well-known and respected journalists.


Hold a fund-raising event for the George Viner Memorial Fund:


Action •


htps://www.nuj.org.uk/rights/george-viner- memorial-fund/


Invite one of the George Viner scholars to speak at your branch/chapel meeting


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RECRUIT


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