Panel discussion with prof. dr. Stella M. Nkomo and prof. dr. Edwina Pio

At the School of Social Sciences, we were very honoured to host Prof. Dr. Stella M. Nkomo (University of Pretoria, South Africa) and Prof. Dr. Edwina Pio (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand) for a guest lecture for our students. Both researchers are considered the founding fathers of research on ethnic and racial diversity within work and organisations.

Both professors shared their stories about their experiences with the concept of race and how people respond to diversity. These two incredible women amazed everyone with their warm personalities and unlikely enthusiasm to shed light on awareness and history around being treated differently.

That appreciation and respect are important for people, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, remains an important topic around which more awareness is needed. The importance of 'seeing' people and acknowledging that you 'see' them is not merely a South African custom, but a beautiful philosophy of life to give others a warm feeling of recognition.