CEDR Interview Series on the Challenges within Diversity and Inclusion – Episode 6

The CEDR Interview Series on the challenges within Diversity and
Inclusion aims to empower society to hold powerful dialogues. We
will hold discussions with a broad spectrum of people, each with
unique and powerful skillsets and experiences when it comes to
addressing issues surrounding discrimination in all forms.


“Touch the lives of people you meet in your everyday
interactions.”


In Episode 6, Francine Stock interviews Salma Yusuf, an
impressive role model not only for young female professionals.


Salma has served in multiple roles and capacities from being a
Civil Society activist nationally and internationally, a
University Lecturer and Researcher, a Journalist and Opinion
Columnist.


Salma is a current sitting member of the Commonwealth Women
Mediators Network Salm and she has been admitted as an
Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.


Hailing from a “triple minority” background – namely, ethnic,
religious and linguistic minority communities, in this interview
Salma Yusuf speaks about how she translated her heritage into
professional acumen. She also elaborates on how she learned to
overcome difference by developing a high degree of empathy to
grievances, sophisticated and nuanced understanding of
challenges, and cross-cultural sensitivity to the aspirations and
needs of societies and communities she works with, in the pursuit
of the ideals of human rights, law, justice and peace.


Salma provides also useful and practical tips on leadership and
the smart use of power -  with and not over- when speaking
about her most recent work as a Public Official of the Government
of Sri Lanka where she led the process of drafting and developing
of Sri Lanka’s first National Policy on Reconciliation which is
the first in Asia. She ensured that during this process the
intersectional experiences of women were substantively
incorporated into the document, and gender responsiveness was
instilled as a key principle.


This interview series is part of CEDR’s not-for-profit Foundation
activity which undertakes cutting edge alternative dispute
resolution research and innovation as well as addressing key
issues facing wider society.


If you would like to get involved in this interview series,
either to submit a question or be part of the live audience in
future episodes, contact Frederick Way, Head of CEDR Foundation
at fway@cedr.com.