‘Workplaces need to step up and lead by example’ – Matthew Saliba shines light on diversity

Reacting to the recent killing of 24-year old Spanish national, Samuel Luiz, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at JOKR, Matthew Saliba took to LinkedIn to shine light on the fact that “a gay man was beaten to death in Spain, a country ranked as having ‘Broad Protection’ by ILGA and a country that provides for marriage equality and gay adoption.”

Sharing his decision to discuss the news on the social network, Dr Saliba said “It’s because workplaces shape the lives of so many people.”

“Workplaces have the opportunity to educate so many on diversity issues, and in so doing provide a safe space for diverse people, in and out of the workplace.”

The Chief Legal and Compliance Officer added that diversity is not about ticking boxes by having a gay employee or a female leader – “it’s about making sure that they feel included at the workplace, and educating others about the struggles diverse people go through.”

Dr Saliba stressed how “Workplaces need to step up and lead by example, provide training for ALL people on how to handle diversity and how to overcome prejudices that have been instilled through society. D&I is not something that happens during pride month, or women’s day, but everyday, in every action, in every word.”

“Samuel’s murder is the product of a failed education system, and we are all to blame,” he concluded.