Iona Nelson

Freelance Content Writer

Iona May Creative

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From: Diversity+ <hello@diversityplus.info>
Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 at 03:04
Subject: February Diversity+ Newsletter
To: <ionamaycreative@gmail.com>

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Welcome to our February newsletter!

There is no hiding from the fact that EDI is currently associated with negativity. Trump’s ban on EDI initiatives in the workplace is a huge step back, and will no doubt have an onward effect around the world.
 
But despite the current climate, we must continue to press forward. March brings with it several EDI awareness days, such as Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Young Carers Awareness Day, and International Women’s Day (IWD) - one of the most globally recognised and celebrated EDI awareness days. 

No EDI = No gender equality
 
IWD gives us the perfect opportunity to remember that gender equality has come leaps and bounds since women were given the right to vote in 1928 - a very recent time in the grand scheme of our human history.
 
While on paper women have the same rights as men, there are still battles to be fought before we reach true equality. The Scottish legal sector is a prime example of this. Women now make up over 60% of the profession (Profile of the Profession 2023). Yet, there are still significantly less women in higher managerial positions than men, pointing to inequalities in career progression. Inequalities in caring and household responsibilities are often cited as likely items that contribute to this gap.
 
Now, in 2025, women make up over half of the population. If we ignore equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts, these areas of inequality will continue to slip. We will effectively leave behind half of the population and allow society to return to the days before 1928.

EDI benefits everyone
 
If we look at EDI from a broader perspective, it is often forgotten that EDI initiatives benefit everyone. They are not designed to hold one group in higher respect than another - quite the opposite, in fact.
 
EDI strategies aim to:
 
Give equal opportunities and treatment for all, regardless of gender, age, culture, religion, race or able-bodiedness.
 
Allow for representation of all of the diverse groups in today’s society
 
Ensure everyone is made to feel supported, welcome, included, and heard.
 
Looking past the individual, EDI is beneficial for business, too: 
 
EDI efforts increase the talent pool applying to your open positions - 56% of Gen-Z would not accept a role at an organisation without diverse leadership (Manpower)
 
More diversity = Higher profits - Companies that rank highest for gender diversity are 25% more likely to have higher financial returns than their less-diverse counterparts (McKinsey)
 
Inclusivity leads to more productive teams - Teams that are more inclusive report up to 30% higher productivity (Gartner)
 
Ultimately, equity, diversity, and inclusion should remain a priority for any organisation that wants to thrive financially, attract new talent, represent its diverse clients to the best of its ability, and continue to grow in years to come.

What's new at Diversity+?

Introducing: Diversity+ Law Academy
 
It is time to formally announce our newest pro-bono project: Diversity+ Law Academy. This initiative is aimed at supporting law students and graduates from less advantaged backgrounds to gain the skills and experience needed to secure a traineeship.
 
Naeema has written an introductory blog post outlining the reason we started this project, what it involves, and how you can help us support our next cohort of aspiring solicitors.
 
*If you are interested in joining our next cohort, watch this space: we will be recruiting later in the year*

Read more about the D+ Law Academy

Preparing for Ramadan 2025
 
We hosted an excellent culture-sharing event this month: Preparing for Ramadan 2025. Attendees heard from Muslim colleagues about the realities of fasting while working, and learned tips on how best to support Muslim colleagues during Ramadan.
 
The event was a huge success, but if you missed out, our eBook is the next best thing! A Guide to Ramadan in the Scottish Legal Sector is full of information to help you learn more about this special month, and better understand the journey your observing colleagues will be going through during this time.

Download: A Guide to Ramadan eBook

Ramadan is not the only festivity coming up next month, either. March is one of the most popular months for religious and cultural celebrations around the world. This makes it a perfect month to host or attend cultural sharing festivities. There will be public events to attend, or you could host your own, for your organisation.
 
Reach out to us for help with planning events, or read our blog to learn more about the many festivities happening in the next couple of months.

EDI Certification Course
 
There are still some spaces left for our upcoming certification course with the Law Society of Scotland: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Certification Course for Leaders and Managers.
 
Join us to learn how to drive progress and futureproof your firm, by fostering a lasting culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. As a reminder, this course qualifies for 20 hours of certifiable CPD, and runs for two days, on 31st March and 1st April.

Learn more and register

Seeking Opportunities

Ammara Farooq
 
As a fourth-year law student set to graduate this year, I am eager to expand my experience within the legal field, particularly in property, immigration, or financial law. However, I am open to any opportunity that allows me to develop my skills and deepen my understanding of the profession.
 
Throughout university, I have actively sought hands-on experience, from volunteering at Citizens Advice Bureau and my university’s law clinic to completing a week-long internship with NatWest’s IP & Legal team. These experiences have strengthened my ability to navigate complex legal issues, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively to provide meaningful solutions.
 
Beyond the legal sphere, my passion for charity work has shaped my perspective on justice and advocacy. Volunteering with One Ummah Charity and as a mosque volunteer has reinforced the idea that law, like life, is never black and white. It is about understanding people, their struggles, and the broader societal impact of legal decisions. My journey into law was inspired by my parents—hardworking immigrants who overcame obstacles to create opportunities for me, their dream has always been for my dream to come true. From assisting with my family’s business to translating documents, making phone calls, and drafting emails on behalf of my father, I learned resilience, determination, and the power of advocacy. These experiences have shaped my ambition to become a dedicated legal professional who makes a difference.
 
I am now seeking opportunities to gain further experience—whether through internships, traineeships, or mentorship. The right opportunity would be invaluable in helping me transition from student to practitioner, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the legal field.
 
If you are offering an opportunity or know of one, I would love to connect: ammara.farooq18@outlook.com

Contact Ammara

Events & Projects

March is looking to be a busy month of free, accessible events - we would love to see you there!
 
The University of Edinburgh - International Women's Day Lecture
Friday 7th March, 6:45pm - 8:15pm
Lecture Theater G.03, 50 George Square, Edinburgh
 
Diversity+ is honoured that our founder, Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, will be delivering this year's International Women's Day (IWD) lecture at the University of Edinburgh.
 
With the many themes announced this IWD, Naeema will dive into the purpose of this awareness day, the relevance of the themes, and why now, more than ever, we must keep pushing for change and gender equality. This free lecture will be followed by a drinks reception for networking opportunities and further discussion. 

Learn more and register

Look Up and Beyond Celebrates International Women's Day
Thursday 13th March, 6:00pm
DLA Piper, Edinburgh Office
 
Our flagship project, Look Up and Beyond, will be marking International Womens Day with this evening, in-person event. Bring your energy and enthusiasm, in all its diverse forms - this is a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible women in our lives. Hear from our inspirational headline speaker Alice Thompson, Purpose Coach and founder of Social Bite, followed by opportunities to network with like-minded individuals. 

Learn more and register

What does #AccelerateAction mean for solicitors with disabilities?
Wednesday 19th March, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
 
This International Womens Day (IWD), join us as we collaborate with Disabling Barriers Scotland to discuss the intersectionality between gender and disability when it comes to equity, diversity and inclusion, and the Scottish legal sector. Chaired by Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, we will be joined by panelists from Disabling Barriers Scotland, and Anisa Afzhal, an ADHD/Autism consultant, creator, educator and advocate, in this insightful event.  

Learn more and register

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Certification Course for Leaders and Managers
Monday 31st March - Tuesday 1st April
 
We are actively looking for the next cohort for our EDI Certification course with the Law Society of Scotland! Specifically aimed at those in managerial and leadership positions, this course counts for 20 hours of certifiable CPD.

Learn more and register

Embracing Cultural Intelligence to #AccelerateAction
TBC
 
In collaboration with SEMLA, let’s discuss how cultural intelligence can be both enjoyable and informative, while still helping us to #AccelerateAction.
 
More details and registration to follow.  

Please encourage your colleagues and friends to subscribe to our newsletter too, so they can keep up to date with our latest events!
 
Want to know more about who we are and what we do?
 
Visit our website here: 

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February Diversity+ Newsletter