The attack in Southport, which claimed the lives of three young girls—Alice Dasilva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe—is nothing short of horrific.
Like so many, we cried for those girls and their families.
The riots we’re witnessing in response are deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable.
While we firmly believe in the right to protest, what we’re seeing now isn’t protest—it’s rioting.
The focus has shifted away from the tragic loss of three beautiful young girls whose lives were cut far too short. Amidst this chaos, we’re seeing people’s true thoughts on immigration, migrant communities, and who truly belongs in this country coming to the forefront.
We watched the GMT interview with MP Zarah Sultana and could feel the anger bubbling in us, it was a deeply uncomfortable experience.
The aggressive questioning and the dismissive attitude from an all-white panel struck a chord with us, as it mirrored the treatment we’ve faced in numerous boardrooms.
Too often, women of colour find their perspectives undermined, their voices talked over, and their contributions minimised.
It’s disheartening, but not surprising, to see how often assertive, intelligent women, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, are subjected to scrutiny and hostility simply for standing their ground.
Now, more than ever, we need unity and allyship. Here’s how we can demonstrate that:
1. Show Solidarity: Attend vigils or community events (if it’s safe to do so!) that honour victims and support affected communities. Your presence shows that you stand with them during difficult times.
2. Engage in Dialogue: Have open, respectful conversations about the issues at hand. Listening and sharing perspectives builds understanding and empathy.
3. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about different cultures and experiences, and share this knowledge to dispel myths and combat prejudice.
4. Support Affected Communities: Offer your support through volunteering, donations, or amplifying the voices of those directly impacted by the events.
5. Stand Against Discrimination: Challenge discriminatory behaviour and language when you encounter it, whether in your personal or professional life.
6. Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for policies and practices that foster inclusivity and equality in your community and workplace.
7. Be an Ally: Use your platform and privilege to support and uplift marginalised communities. Speak out against injustices and work towards systemic change.
8. Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where people feel safe to express their concerns and experiences. Create spaces for these conversations to happen constructively.
These are challenging times, but they also offer us an opportunity to rise to the occasion and make a meaningful impact.
Together, we can push back against hate, champion equity, and build a future where every voice is valued.
