Diversity in organizations cannot remain just cosmetic, defends Habi Gerba, who is completing his first year as president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal (JCCM). Among several files that she leads simultaneously, the entrepreneur campaigns for better inclusion of people from “under-represented” groups in the business community.
To sum up the difference between diversity and inclusion, a quote from American activist Vernā Myers, now VP Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, has become famous. “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being invited to dance”, illustrates Mme Myers.
“The first time, when I heard that, I thought it was beautiful,” says Mme Gerba. “Afterwards, I realized that I did not agree. »
Why ? “Because being invited to dance implies: do as we do and smile! True inclusion is being consulted about the format of the event, the time, the music, the place… That’s true inclusion. »
The one who also founded the high-end clothing line Gazelles wants to change mentalities among the next generation of Montreal business people so that diversity does not remain only “cosmetic”.
“That’s often where things get stuck in the business world. Everyone today talks about diversity. But is there real inclusion? That is to say, to ensure good integration at all levels, to ensure that people feel welcomed, at home, in a safe space? I think that a reflection is necessary at this level, ”she believes.
lead by example
Beyond stimulating reflection, the organization of which she is the head also preaches by example. Since taking office of M.me Gerba, the JCCM has seen the share of its members from underrepresented groups double, from 30% to 62%.
“When we talk about underrepresented groups, it’s not just limited to ethnocultural diversity. It brings together all those who do not recognize themselves in the business world today. For example, people on the autism spectrum, people who have a disability, or even people from indigenous communities…”, specifies Habi Gerba.
The recent wave of change within the membership didn’t happen by “magic,” she explains. “It is the fruit of precise actions. Sometimes it’s the little things. For example, for some, there was a financial barrier to accessing the network. So we launched a crowdfunding campaign to offer 100 members a membership and access to our training courses for free. »
A way to open the door wider to young people who might not have gone through it otherwise.
And to promote the next generation of Montreal businesses, the Junior Chamber of Commerce does not want to limit itself to supporting entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurship is celebrated a lot, but the people who work inside organizations also have a lot of power to change things. »
This is why the JCCM has set up a program entitled “Génération d’impact”, launched in collaboration with Fondaction. “This is a first cohort of ‘intrapreneurs’, so people inside organizations. We want to say to these young people: they don’t need to wait for the end of their career or to be at the head of a company to change the world. They are offered meetings of coachingworking sessions to push them to choose a fight and generate change within their organization,” explains Ms.me Gerba.
The right to disconnect and its necessity
Another issue that is dear to him is that of the right to disconnect. The young entrepreneur had a taste of overwork herself and learned to know her limits before accepting the volunteer role of president of the JCCM, while having to manage her business.
“I don’t think I would have been able to do it in such a healthy way before the pandemic. Probably like many people, I had thoughts about the importance of drawing lines… When you’re an entrepreneur, there’s a culture of not counting your hours. It’s fine to say that… But it’s not always healthy”, says Habi Gerba.
If the Government of Quebec does not currently intend to move forward with a regulatory framework concerning the right to disconnect, Ms.me Gerba believes that awareness must be done at the level of the private sector, regardless of whether the government decides to legislate or not.
“I have met many employers who are very sensitive to this issue, others not at all. What we are trying to do with this reflection on the right to disconnect is to ensure that this right does not depend on the goodwill of a manager. »
“Especially since the right to disconnect is particularly important when you are young, at the start of your career, and you want to prove yourself,” she believes.