Diversity and Inclusion
Afsana has emerged as a renowned advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion among legal and cross-sector professionals. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are top priorities for Afsana as a lawyer and mediator.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
She specifically advocates for the increase of diversity in ADR and provides training on how to competently represent client needs during their legal disputes. Her expertise has led to numerous invitations to speak at international events hosted by legal and educational institutions, reflecting her influential presence in this domain.
Afsana recognizes the lack of diversity in the ADR profession. Following extensive research, she uncovered many barriers faced by racialized and marginalized mediators and arbitrators. As a result, Afsana has written her program ‘Cultural Competency in Mediation” which builds awareness of the needs and values of diverse practitioners in the field. During Afsana’s program, she shared a diversity calendar as one of the tools to raise awareness. Since then, and until 2024, she has posted her calendars on social media platforms every month, which has been widely used in her network. (Click here to see examples of the calendar.) Since this program was launched in 2020, Afsana has expanded the program to a workshop that provides practice tips to help build humility and better intercultural skills.
Cultural Competency in Mediation
The cornerstone of a resolution is understanding the needs and interests of the client from all backgrounds. Cultural competency allows mediators to deepen their understanding.
Diversity Calendar
The Diversity Calendar is a tool for everyone to deepen their understanding of different cultures and religions.
Intercultural Skills Workshop
Mediators and Lawyers can learn how to build their cultural competency that will help them serve a broader and diverse client base.
Neutral Diversity Report
This is a report based on Ontario, Canada's slate of neutral, that provides recommendations on how to increase diversity in the profession.
Human Rights Discrimination
In April 2022, Afsana co-chaired a groundbreaking report released by the Ontario Bar Association, called Neutral Diversity in Ontario. The report explores the gender and racial gaps in the ADR profession and makes several recommendations on how to increase diversity in Ontario and support those entering the profession.
Afsana is a passionate leader in EDI and continues to do the work that is necessary.
