7th February 2025

What Allyship Means To Me

Sven van der Veen

Head of Rainbow@Vodafone Network

Hi, I’m Sven, Head of the rainbow@vodafone network in Vodafone Germany. Our mission is to create a safer space for the LGBT+ community at Vodafone – a place where we can belong and where diversity is celebrated. My focus is on authenticity, visibility, and community.

I strongly believe in the power of allyship. Allyship is more than just a buzzword – it is an active commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. But how does one become a good ally? How can each of us contribute to fostering an inclusive workplace culture?

I recently spoke with an allyship expert at Vodafone to explore the four key principles of allyship – the 4 A’s: Ask, Acknowledge, Act, and Amplify.

What does allyship actually mean in practice?
Allyship means actively supporting marginalized groups and recognizing that we all have a role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion. It is not about acting as a savior but about listening, learning, and taking conscious action.

Ask

Why is listening so important?
"Allyship begins with genuine interest. I regularly ask my colleagues how they are doing and what challenges they face. It’s about listening without immediately offering solutions. Only when we truly understand other perspectives can we provide meaningful support."

How does this look in everyday work life?
It can be as simple as having a conversation during a coffee break or deliberately seeking input in meetings. For example, a colleague once told me she often feels interrupted in certain discussions. I made a point of noticing and ensured she had the opportunity to finish her thoughts. Small actions can have a big impact.

Acknowledge

Why is reflection so important?
"We all have privileges – recognizing them is a crucial step. I regularly reflect on my own biases and ask myself: Am I using my position to support others? Or am I unconsciously contributing to inequalities?"

How can this be put into practice?
A great way is to actively educate yourself: reading books, listening to podcasts, or attending Vodafone’s internal diversity training sessions. A good starting point is learning about microaggressions. For example, saying, "You speak very good German" might be well-intended but can feel exclusionary. Another simple but impactful action is adding your pronouns to your email signature, setting an example for inclusivity and respect.

Act

What does it mean to take action as an ally?
"Allyship is not a spectator sport. If I see someone being discriminated against or ignored, I speak up. It’s not enough to just listen – action is required."

Can you give an example?
Yes! A colleague once ignored a female coworker’s idea in a meeting and later presented it as his own. I intervened immediately and said, "Actually, XY just suggested that – great idea!" Moments like these are crucial in ensuring fairness.

Amplify

Why is it important to give others a platform?
"Some groups don’t have the same visibility as others. As an ally, I can use my influence to amplify their voices."

Can you give an example of how this can be done?
Yes! I made sure that a panel discussion included women and BIPoC colleagues. I also actively recommend diverse talents for promotions and projects.

Allyship is a process – it’s an all-day, every-day mindset
"No one is a perfect ally, and that’s okay. What matters is that we keep learning from mistakes and continuously improve. Allyship is an active process – and everyone can contribute."

What is your final tip for those who want to practice allyship?
"Start today! Ask questions, reflect on your privileges, take action, and amplify other voices. Every small action counts!"