We have started to open MiB’s activities to non-Finnish-speaking mothers over the last couple years with the support of International project. As part of our multicultural work, we have wanted to know more about anti-racism work that workplaces and practically all of us could do in Finland. Through a fantastic cooperation with Includia, we were able to arrange a anti-racism training during the Anti-Racism Week.
Federico Ferrara, Includia
Mothers and professionals from a variety of backgrounds attended, with learning and discussion facilitated by Includia's Federico Ferrara in an intensive workshop. Tuovi Bresnahan, a MiB International project specialist, and other participants were looking for insights for their work and other everyday situations.
"Entering Includia's anti-racism training, I felt a sense of excitement. I knew that this was an opportunity to learn new things and go deeper into a complex topic with others. However, the training offered more than I expected. It opened up the possibility to discuss openly and learn new perspectives. Above all, I expected to learn concrete approaches to support the diversity, equity and inclusion work with MiB.
Overall, the training was a positive and inspiring experience. It encouraged open dialogue and concrete action. I realized that discussion and joint reflection are keys to deeper understanding. The examples and exercises helped us to grasp a complex topic and opened up new perspectives.
Key take outs were that racism is a complex phenomenon that needs deeper study and open debate to understand: tackling structures and entrenched attitudes requires long-term work from all of us. Opening up Finnish society and working life to people other than Finnish speakers is based on self-examination and concrete action to promote equality."
Includia Leadership, the training provider, wants to be involved in building bridges and providing a deeper understanding of the impact of racism. "We want to play our part in promoting anti-racist practices in Finnish workplaces and do our part towards a more racism-free society," says Federico Ferrara, our trainer.
One of the participants commented that the experience was safe and rewarding: "The training was very successful in creating a good atmosphere: I felt comfortable discussing the topic from many different angles. It didn't feel like I was being pushed to anything, but rather that things were moving forward in a natural way. I gained new insights on how to act in situations where I perceive or encounter racism."
Do you want to be part of the anti-racism change work?
You can book a free meeting with Includia!
Tuovi Bresnahan is an experienced communications and facilitation professional who has been actively involved with Mothers in Business for the past five years. Currently, Tuovi is leading MiB's STEA-funded International project.
Federico Ferrara is an experienced and charismatic facilitator who offers new perspectives and encourages critical thinking. Federico is one of Finland's leading anti-racism educators, actively working as a bridge builder, developing new approaches and practical methods to create an open and respectful working culture.
Mothers in Business (MiB) is a nationwide network that supports career-oriented mothers in balancing work and family. MiB’s aim is to provide opportunities for skills development, networking and career advancement. Currently, the network has over 4000 members and hundreds of volunteers throughout Finland.
MiB International is a project that aims to develop MiB’s modes of operation to meet the needs of international career-oriented mothers living in Finland and to engage in societal advocacy towards a more inclusive and equal Finnish working life.
