Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at CONCORDIA
Every person has the right to dignity, safety, participation and fair opportunities. At CONCORDIA, this is an integral part of our daily work with children, young people, families, staff, volunteers and partner organisations.
For us, gender, equity, diversity and inclusion – GEDI for short – means: we value diversity, create safe spaces and break down barriers. We place particular emphasis on supporting those affected by poverty, exclusion or disadvantage.
Our aim is to create an environment in which children and young people can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, develop freely and shape their own lives.
What GEDI means for CONCORDIA
CONCORDIA supports children and families in Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Kosovo and Austria. In doing so, we encounter people with different life stories, languages, experiences and needs.
This diversity is a strength. At the same time, we recognise that not everyone has the same opportunities. Discrimination, poverty, social exclusion, gender inequality or a lack of access to education and support can have a significant impact on the lives of children, young people and families.
That is why CONCORDIA actively advocates for a respectful, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment – in our programmes, in our partnerships and within our organisation.
Safe spaces for children, young people and families
Children and young people need places where they are seen, heard and protected. GEDI helps us to better recognise and take their diverse needs seriously.
We encourage participation, build trust and ensure that children, young people and families can have a say in decisions that affect their lives. This creates safe spaces where people can discover their abilities, learn and seize new opportunities.
Equity in our work
Gender, equity, diversity and inclusion are values that shape all of CONCORDIA’s work.
CONCORDIA is therefore committed to:
- Promoting gender equality and equity in all areas of our work.
- To create safe and inclusive environments for children, young people, families, staff and volunteers.
- To actively incorporate different perspectives and life experiences.
- To break down barriers to participation and improve accessibility.
- To practise respectful and inclusive communication.
- To implement fair and inclusive practices in recruitment, staff development and leadership.
- To provide confidential channels for reporting complaints or incidents.
- To strengthen the participation of children, young people and adults.
- To promote continuous learning, reflection and professional development in the area of GEDI.
Taking responsibility together
A respectful working environment does not arise of its own. It requires attention, clear standards and a willingness to learn.
Our GEDI policy forms the binding framework for this shared understanding. It applies to CONCORDIA’s staff, managers, volunteers, trainees, consultants and partner organisations. And it sets out how CONCORDIA embeds gender, equity, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and in its programme work.
This is how we take responsibility: for one another and for the people CONCORDIA supports.