Answering questions about Autism
To help provide a better understanding of Autism, we interviewed Dr Terence Tan to get answers to some common questions.
Designing products and spaces for gender equality
The impact of gender-bias thinking and mindsets can be significant – especially when consider how our buildings and products are designed. Here’s some ideas on how spaces and products can be designed to accommodate all genders.
Understanding racial privilege – and why it needs to stop
Racial privilege (aka white privilege), is heard regularly in HR briefings and training seminars, but not many people really understand it. Here’s a real life example to illustrate why it’s a problem, and why things needs to change.
What are these books all about? (The Why)
Exposure to gender and race diversity at an early age helps create a better foundation for equality, which is why the Anika books do things differently. Our books feature diverse, non-gender stereotyped characters. Providing an opportunity for kids to visualize diverse characters in different roles, and for parents to explore these concepts comfortably. It’s not just for girls. Boys that understand gender and color diversity are important to supporting & spreading a message of equality.
Heroines of their story
Girls aren’t sidekicks. That isn’t well enough represented in children’s books. Having female lead characters, both good & bad, is important to teaching children that there’s their gender makes no difference. It’s very hard to feel equal when majority of the lead & speaking roles are males.
Diversity is normal
The best way to stop unconscious bias is to never let it set in. People of color should be seen equally as leaders, colleagues and friends. Showing children that diverse candidates perform all sorts of roles is essential to changing the realities of today. It doesn’t matter what color your hands are, they can do any job you want them to.
Be anything they want to be
The gender stereotypes that children are exposed to in their early years has a strong influence on what they choose to do. Which is why it’s important for boys and girls to be exposed to women in non-gender stereotype roles. It’s essential to creating an environment where girls feel comfortable choosing whatever career they want, and where boys actively support girls. A career isn’t an act of rebellion.