#EveryLittleActionCounts Week 42: Creating Safe Spaces
Creating safe spaces in academia is essential for fostering trust, openness, and a sense of belonging among colleagues and students.
Safe spaces encourage individuals to share their experiences, ideas, and challenges without fear of judgement or discrimination. By cultivating and crafting these environments, academics can promote collaboration, innovation, and well-being within their communities.
“Calling a space a safe space is not enough. You need to create a culture of trust that is forgiving and welcomes openness.” Ladan Nikravan Hayes
Academics can support the cultivation and crafting of safe spaces by:
Engaging in continuous constructive feedback
Asking and providing of constructive feedback on how to create more inclusive and supportive environments in your classes or teams.
Speak out against discrimination, harassment and exclusion
Dare to stand up for those who are affected by discrimination, aggressions and exclusion.
Support confidential forums and discussions
Establish groups where individuals can share challenges and experiences collaboratively and explore possible solutions.
We would be very happy to hear about your strategies for creating safe spaces in academic communities.
Anne-Wil Harzing & Christa Sathish