Podcast Interview

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What is the economic cost of LGBTI+ exclusion? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning (LGBTI+) people are among the most marginalised and excluded groups but what does this mean for business around the world? This podcast examines the opportunity that fully inclusive organisations can offer. Listen in to hear from Social Impact Pioneers and leading voices on LGBTI+ inclusion: Lee Badgett and Ricardo Garcia Tafur.

Lee is a professor of economics and co-director of the Center for Employment Equity at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has recently authored ‘The Economic Case for LGBT Equality’. Her research and writing focus on economic inequality for LGBTI people, including wage gaps and employment discrimination.

Ricardo is a regional financial inclusion specialist for the International Finance Corporate (the IFC), part of the World Bank.
He’s an economist specialised in international development with more than 25 years of global experience on issues related to financial inclusion, and provision of financial services to unserved and underserved segments, such as women & LGBTI+, migrants and refugee populations.

As of November 2022, 33 of the 195 countries in the world, recognise same sex marriage. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or questioning (LGBTI+) people are treated differently around the world. During this podcast conversation Lee and Ricardo show was how businesses can navigate these differences, empowering us all to make a positive difference.

Lee explains: “Every country is an emerging country when it comes to LGBTI inclusion.”

They talk personally about their experiences and practically how businesses can help LGBTI+ people to be their best at work. Together they examine how businesses can engage with suppliers, civil society and governments to increase inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning people, communities and family members.

Together they talk about the business case and benefits of a fully inclusive business environment – Ricardo summarising: “There are companies that are attracting the best talent by recruiting and supporting LGBTI people at all levels. There are companies expanding their markets to include LGBTI people and there are companies attracting investment because of their LGBTI inclusion.”

Listen in to hear more about the opportunities that full inclusive organisations can offer and how to make inclusive organisations a reality.

Links:

Lee Badgett

The Economic Case for LGBT Equality

IFC GLOBE

Stonewall

If you like this podcast do listen to, Gender Equity with Rani and Deepika, IFC

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