Diversity is Good For Us!

We recorded this episode of the Better Peace Podcast before the recent horror of racist violence and attacks on people, places of worship and businesses.  We have been shocked and horrified, but also gratified by the overwhelming reaction against these extremists.

This episode takes on a new potence as a result of the rise in hatred.  We want to share it and encourage you to share it too – to spread better information about the people who come to live in our country and the challenges they face.  

Inioluwa Olaosebikan (Ini) is a young activist and works for our partners at Diverse Youth NI.  In a wide ranging discussion with Chloe and Ellie she tells us about how she came here from Nigeria a year ago and her work as a passionate young activist.  She has advice for politicians here when engaging with immigrants – “Take their pain as your own!”  She also acknowledges her own responsibility – “Our government is a reflection of us, the challenge needs to start with us”. She has important perspectives on mental health and other challenges that newcomers face here – and how our society could do better.

Kate Nicholl is an Alliance Party MLA for South Belfast.  She shares her story of how she moved here from Zimbabwe to Dunmurray!  Talking about asylum seeker families she said she believes “I think Government policy is more hostile, but people are more hospitable.” She also talks about discrimination against women in politics – but feels that things are changing and urges young women to get involved in politics.  

We want to thank them both.  It takes bravery to speak out and they both have crucial messages for our society and our politicians.  

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Photo: Ini addressing the former UK Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris at our 'Role of Westminster' event April 2024

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