WSP is an inclusive and diverse employer that champions all employees.
Marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, WSP said: "United in our journey to make the world a more inclusive and safe space for all, we know that the only way to shape communities where everyone can thrive is together. This May 17 and every day, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate diversity in the fight against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia."
The image above is from WSP's Canadian team and shows their first Pride Parade in Ottawa, of August 2022.
IDAHOBIT is a day which serves to raise awareness of violence, discrimination and repression of LGBT+ communities.
Celebrating the power of solidarity, community and allyship
The 2023 theme for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDABOBIT) - Together Always: United in Diversity - was was decided via extensive consultation with LGBTQIA+ organizations across the world. The theme enables advocacy and celebrations in many forms from human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, LGBTQIA+ people worldwide and allies.
In a time where worldwide progress made by LGBTQIA+ communities is increasingly at risk, it is crucial to recognize the power of solidarity, community, and allyship across different identities, movements, and borders.
When we unite, in all our beautiful diversity, we can really bring about change!
WSP's VIBE Group supports LGBT+ communities
WSP hosts an inclusive and supportive group called VIBE - which is short for Visibility and Inclusion in the Built Environment (VIBE). The group stands to enhance WSP's inclusive and empowering culture in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual and gender minority (LGBT+) communities.
“For young people coming into our industry, having role models that they can not only identify with but also learn from and be mentored by is vital to the ongoing benefit of the industry as a whole,” said Peter Townsend, BIM Model Manager at WSP and committee member of VIBE. “We have made great steps in recent years in improving the industry’s approach to talking about and tackling the issues surrounding diversity; not only from an LGBT+ perspective but also with regard to gender.
Kris Hird, Senior Project Manager and VIBE founding partner said: “Employees that feel comfortable at work and safe in their community are more likely to reach their potential and deliver greater outcomes for our clients. That is what the purpose of the group is about. By raising awareness and acceptance of the LGBT+ community at the same time as influencing our firm’s culture, we are better serving the interests of our people, our clients and the broader community.”
Phil Greenwood, Senior Transport Modeller and VIBE founding partner commented: "The group is open to everyone in the firm including those who identify as LGBT+ to those who just want to be involved. Through promoting diversity and inclusiveness, we are celebrating the uniqueness of people all the while, better reflecting the make-up of our society.”
Charlie Jewkes, WSP's Director for Transport in Australia explained: “We don’t just value some of our people – we value ALL of our people and that means embracing and celebrating the entire gamut of diverse cultures, orientations and values of our employees and clients. By holding ourselves accountable against our Guiding Principles we are not only reflecting the interests of the community but helping our clients to achieve their goals.”
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.