Allyship is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “the quality or practice of helping or supporting other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although you are not yourself a member of this group. One of the most important ways to practise allyship is just to listen. Allyship means using your power, position, or privilege to uplift others.” It is also an acronym for Action, Listening, Learning and Yielding (A.L.L.Y.).
From #BlackLivesMatter, #StopAsianHate, #LGTBQIA+rights to the #warinGaza and the #warinUkraine, there have been numerous global incidents over the last few years that have garnered attention and highlighted the need for allies.
In this episode, we discuss allyship, what it is, the challenges of it, why it is necessary, how to properly inform oneself and encourage participation in some causes. We also delve into allyship on the ground level as Zimbabweans, dissecting patriarchy and how men can be allies against it. This is truly a layered topic which evokes a myriad of emotions and questions.
How can you be an ally? What should you read to be properly informed when seeking to be an ally? What is the best way to be an ally? Delve deeper with us into allyship and how complex yet necessary it is.
Zim Shoutout: Stephanie Travers
Zimbabwean born Stephanie Travers is the deputy team principal of Louis Hamilton's Extreme E team X44 Vida Carbon Racing. Before that, she spent three years working with the Mercedes F1 team. Shoutout to her for making waves in spaces where women don’t often get a chance to shine.
Keep up with Stephanie
Instagram: @stephanietravers (https://www.instagram.com/stephanietravers/)
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