The Importance of Allyship

"As a white, heterosexual woman, I grew up in Glasgow blissfully ignorant to how other people experienced the world around them. Working in such a diverse business has opened my eyes, not only to the experience of others but the challenges and prejudice race, religion, sexuality, gender and disability have caused in the past and even now in 2021.

I joined Vodafone 13 years ago and it has been incredible to be a small part of our companies’ journey with Diversity & Inclusion. No specific event led to me becoming an active Ally, there was no grand moment of enlightenment just the gut feeling that if I had the ability to help, even in the smallest of ways – then I desperately wanted to. I love sharing what I learn with my family, a particularly proud moment was when my 9 year old changed his Playstation background to a pride flag in the summer.

I’ve had some incredible opportunities and whether it has been providing supportive training around race, decorating a retail store for pride, sleeping rough for vulnerable children or mentoring a colleague, I have always been supported and encouraged by my line managers and those around me to authentically play my part.

Allyship is crucial to changing the conversation around Diversity & Inclusion, it’s about recognising your privilege and using that to empower those who don’t share it. Allyship is not a workplace obligation or platitude in Vodafone, it is authentic and built in to the DNA of our culture with hundreds of employees signing up to support in whatever way they can.

Everyone should feel physically and psychologically safe, not just in their team or company but in society and I take so much pride in knowing that I and Vodafone are part of that journey."