Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion at MSI
At MSI, we’re committed to an inclusive culture, where every team member can thrive and feel valued and where all clients feel welcome and supported.
Our formal commitments
Our organisational strategy—MSI 2030—sets out our commitment to DEI. We have also formally documented our unwavering commitment to gender equality.
In 2021, we facilitated discussions with over 80 team members from more than 15 different countries, and insights from those conversations helped form our first three-year Global Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy (2022-2025).
MSI’s Board is committed to reflecting as many varied perspectives and experiences as possible, and this is supported by our Board Diversity Policy.
DEI in action
MSI works in 36 countries across six continents, and DEI looks different in every country.
While MSI’s global DEI goals outlined in our strategy provide a solid framework, each country office has developed its own ‘DEI action plan’ to ensure that their initiatives and priorities are appropriate to their own context. A major strength of MSI’s DEI programme is how it is led and driven locally, and supported globally (mirroring how we operate and deliver services).
Our Global DEI Panel
To help bring our DEI goals to life, we formed a global DEI panel in 2021. Made up of a diverse group representing every region we work in, the panel is a driving force helping MSI become an inclusive and equitable organisation.
The panel reviews progress for a birds-eye view of inspiring DEI-related activities across the MSI partnership—from sign language training in Zambia, to a DEI lens being applied to recruitment practices in Pakistan, or the roll-out of MSI’s ‘women in leadership’ training in Nepal. Having this visibility means we can identify trends and issues, share best practices and ideas across the MSI partnership, and provide guidance where it’s needed.
Defining DEI
A workforce that is representative of people from different backgrounds and communities, and with a variety of personal characteristics.
Using equitable approaches to have a workplace in which every individual has equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Having a workplace in which everyone, regardless of individual differences, feels able to participate and contribute meaningfully.
“As a black, female entrepreneur from Mali, the impact of diversity, equality and inclusion work is far from an abstract concept to me. In my mind, MSI’s work in this space is absolutely essential.
It is deeply important that MSI works to ensure that the inclusive work it does externally mirrors a radically inclusive and progressive internal culture. DEI cannot just be something that you talk about.”
– Myriam Sidibe, Board Member
Global Gender Score
In the latest Global Health 50/50 Report, which looks at the gender equity policies and practices of more than 200 organisations in global health, we’re proud that MSI has been rated a ‘very high performer’ and a ‘fast-riser’.
This is testament to the dedicated work going on behind the scenes to remain an inclusive employer of choice, address the causes of gender-based health inequalities, and transform harmful gender norms.
6 priorities for diversity, equality & inclusion
A Clear Vision
Diversity, equality and inclusion have different meanings and applications across the various countries and cultures where we operate. We’ll therefore clearly communicate what we mean by DEI, its relevance to MSI, and what we want to achieve through implementing the DEI strategy.
Accountability
Our leadership and management is committed to accountability and to building organisational knowledge on equity and inclusive behaviours. We’ll ensure every MSI team member is aware of their own role in supporting DEI.
Talent Pipeline
Developing and retaining talent is fundamental to grow individual potential, build our talent pipeline and meet MSI’s needs. We’ll open up development opportunities for team members to improve accessibility and create a more level playing field.
Strategic Communications
We’ll use strategic communication to bring clarity and visibility to DEI. Key to this is establishing inclusive and mindful communication practices that encourage inclusive behaviours in the workplace.
A Culture of Inclusion
We want to create the conditions for more open communication, feedback, and productive meetings, and will do this by empowering our team members to speak up and share their perspectives. We’re building a working environment where everyone feels valued, fairly treated and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
We’ll take a specific focus on gender equality and social inclusion focusing on our programming, the clients and communities we serve.
Women in leadership
“The best woman leader is not one who excels above everyone else, but one who celebrates the rise of fellow women, even to a level above themselves.”
– Pester Siraha, Country Director MSI Zimbabwe
Over 300 women from 17 MSI country programmes have now attended our ‘Women in Leadership’ programme, and we’re continuing to roll this out further. It addresses barriers faced by female colleagues and builds skills for strong leadership.
Our Female Scholarship Fund also drives opportunities for women at MSI, with successful applicants receiving funding to undertake transformative development opportunities supporting their career growth.
A snapshot of key DEI metrics
Global metrics help us keep on track and keep us accountable. By 2025, we commit to:
- All countries having local DEI action plans in place
- Women making up at least 50% of senior leadership teams
- The ‘Women in Leadership Programme’ running in at least half of MSI countries
- At least 80% of countries undertaking salary benchmarking every two years to support an equitable approach to remuneration
- All countries led by national or regional team members
- All programmes and support offices having local succession plans
For an update on our progress towards our DEI goals and metrics, see our new DEI section in our latest Annual Report (pages 44-47).
More on diversity, equality & inclusion
Bringing DEI to life through resources and stories
Our DEI strategy
Our DEI strategy is intended to provide a framework to support every MSI country as they embark on their own journey to support diversity, equality and inclusion.
A woman’s journey to leadership at MSI
Pester Siraha, Country Director of MSI Zimbabwe, writes about her career and journey into a leadership position at MSI.
Q&A on DEI
Inonge Wina Chinyama and Catherine Harry talk about their passion for DEI, and their experiences of being on the Global DEI Panel.
Commitment to Gender Equality
Gender equality is a universal human right. We aspire to a gender transformative approach at every level of our operations.