By Sarah-Frédérique Berard
Finding My Place
On my first day at Equitas, the blue walls, the artwork, and the photographs portraying communities from all around the world immediately caught my attention. Each image seemed to tell a different story. Even before I had spoken a single word, the space itself seemed to convey a simple message: you are welcome here.
During those first few days, I began getting to know the other interns with whom I would spend the next twelve weeks. What began as professional relationships quickly turned into genuine friendships. We shared a workspace, organized activities outside of work, watched hockey games together, celebrated two colleagues graduating from McGill, and created many more memories along the way. Six weeks in, I can say without hesitation that these are people who support me, make me laugh, and with whom I know I will remain close long after this internship ends.
On June 12th, the International Trainings team came together for a team-building day focused on imagining and building S’Unir pour protéger les droits humains, the new project under which programs such as the International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) will continue to evolve. We began by discussing the values that guide our work, including collaboration, solidarity, and respect, as well as how we want to work together as a team. These conversations left a strong impression on me because they showed that healthy workplaces are built not only on shared goals but also on trust and genuine care for one another.
One idea from the team-building day captured much of what I am experiencing at Equitas: we are all on the same team. At Equitas, this is more than a slogan. What stood out to me is that, even as an intern, I am included in discussions about the organization’s work and future. I attend meetings about important developments, including the IHRTP’s upcoming move to Thaïland. For the first time, the program will be held outside Canada in its 43-year history. Whether contributing to updates of the IHRTP manual and schedule or participating in these conversations, I have felt that my ideas are welcome and taken seriously. Together, we contribute to a global community that connects people from Kenya, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Canada and many other parts of the world.
This experience has shown me what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice. Above all, it has given me a genuine sense of belonging.
More Than Being in the Room
An inclusive space is not simply a comfortable one. In diverse environments, some conversations will inevitably be more challenging for certain people than for others. The goal is not to avoid that discomfort but to ensure that everyone has the support needed to engage with it.
I learned about this approach through discussions of the most recent IHRTP in Québec. Participants explored complex topics such as gender equality, discrimination, and human rights violations. Recognizing that these discussions could be emotionally demanding, Equitas ensured that a nurse and a mental health professional were available throughout the entire duration of the IHRTP. This was more than a logistical measure. It reflected a commitment to creating an environment where people felt supported in challenging their perspectives and sharing their experiences so that they could ultimately learn from one another.
This wellness measure was important because human rights work often involves confronting difficult realities faced by people who have been or continue to be marginalized because of their gender, disability, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity. These conversations are not always easy, but they are necessary. True inclusion is not measured by who is in the room, but by who is able to participate fully within it.
What No Words Can Fully Capture
Inclusion is difficult to define because it is often something you feel before you can put it into words. Looking back on my first six weeks at Equitas, I realize that this feeling has been present with me from the very beginning. I felt it when I walked into the office on my first day. I felt it during the team-building session. And I continue to feel it every day as I work with colleagues from different countries, disciplines, and backgrounds.
Inclusive spaces are built by people who listen with empathy, lead with kindness, and make a conscious effort to ensure that everyone feels valued.
I am grateful to be part of this team and community.
Thank you, Equitas, for welcoming me, trusting me, and helping me understand what inclusion truly means.