Worldwide surveys show just ten per cent of senior management roles are held by women, but what is the secret to breaking the so-called Glass Ceiling? Muhammad Hafiz, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, reports that being attuned to an organisation’s needs can position women to overcome the gender issue and become …

“If an organisation focuses on merit, gender won’t be an issue” Read More »

Multiculturalism in Canadian and American cities has an impact on the physical education and health of students, writes Alvin Ma, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Canada. But in some cases schools are missing opportunities to make use of multicultural resources in the community. “Jimmy, you must study harder…not just hockey all the time!” During the …

"Sports can teach youth about other cultures" Read More »

Australia celebrates multiculturalism, but as Hsin-Yi Lo, a Correspondent from Melbourne, Australia writes, the embrace of diversity is not yet reflected in workplace leadership. When you ask Australians, most will say they love multiculturalism. But the country is still far from fully embracing diversity, as unconscious bias is holding back Asian-Australians’ talents and potential for professional …

“Asian-Australians blocked by bamboo ceiling” Read More »

Young people play an integral role in advancing development, democracy and peace. At the 10th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta, 21-25 November, over 400 youth leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people, and devise relevant policy solutions through four main agendas – economic, environmental, social and political. The theme of the Forum is ‘Adding …

“Can youth’s new ideas defeat extremism?” Read More »

Elections are a time to reflect on democracy, writes Jonathan Ugiagbe, 30, a Correspondent from Benin in Nigeria, who argues that Nigeria’s democracy needs nurturing by leaders and the people alike. For any nation, an election period is a time for renewal and also for reflection. After a long spell of authoritarian rule, democracy came …

“Nigeria – who cares for its needs?” Read More »

The media says proposed amalgamation will strengthen public broadcasting, but Hsin-Yi Lo, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Melbourne, Australia, argues there are severe implications for democracy when media ownership is concentrated and diversity is limited. In late February, Mark Scott of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation questioned if Australia really needs two public broadcasters. He contests there isn’t …

“Proposed merger threatens media diversity” Read More »

London’s mayoral election drew international interest, writes Ruth Adeyi, 23, a Correspondent from London, UK, as she looks at the issues behind the headlines in that campaign. London is well known for the different cultures, languages and diverse values of its 8.6 million people. The recent mayoral election has highlighted the need for a mayor who embraces this diversity. Sadiq …

“Why London’s new mayor won the election” Read More »

It is one thing to know that India is large, but for Ragavijaya G, 23, a Correspondent living in Delhi, recognising seven major religions, 29 states, 780 languages and 1.3 billion people brought new understanding of the range of diversity in the one nation that is called India. Until last year when I was living …

“Finding home outside your comfort zone” Read More »

To many, Wembly means a sports stadium used for the highest level of competition. But Shastri Sookdeo, 27, a Correspondent from Trinidad now living in Amsterdam, learned it is also a vibrant and diverse community, rich in food choices and cultural co-existence. “We’re going to Wembley” is a phrase commonly sung at English football matches during …

“Wembley is a community as well as a stadium” Read More »

Diversity is a valued quality, writes Chanda Katema, 19, a Correspondent from Lusaka in Zambia now studying in India, but living with diversity can challenge one’s perceptions. In the middle of the conversation I stand wondering what is going on. Perhaps it’s just another language I don’t comprehend. Diversity is something to be proud of, but I …

“Considering the adversity of diversity” Read More »