A recent event at South East Technological University’s (SETU) Cork Road Campus explored how the University can become a driving force for race equality in the region.
The 'Understanding Race Equality in the South East' event created a platform for SETU students, alumni, staff, community organisations, and subject matter experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering racial equality.
The event was part of a project, funded by the SETU EDI Fund and led by Dr Pilar Luz Rodrigues, a former SETU student and staff member; Monica Rudi Kent of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, SETU; and Dr Hazel O’Brien of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, SETU.
Keynote speakers
Key to the event was the speakers who shared their experiences with racism and discrimination, highlighting key obstacles and opportunities in achieving racial equality.
Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at SETU, delivered the opening remarks. Inspiring keynote speeches were presented by Dr Ebun Joseph, Special Rapporteur for the National Plan Against Racism, and Kirsten Mate Maher, former Rose of Tralee and Beat 102 103 radio presenter.
Kirsten Mate Maher said of the event, “Having spaces like this is really important. It’s such a serious topic and it’s great that it has been addressed and that it’s something we can talk about.”
Panel discussions
The event included two panel discussions. The first panel “Experiences of Racial Equality in the University Context: Opportunities and Challenges” included Nidhi Piplani Kapur, PhD student in “Internationalisation at Home”, Sibongile Mashengele, BA student in Public Health and Health Promotion, and Pauline Sim, former LLB student in Law and Analyst at Amazon.
The second panel “Experiences of Racial Equality in the Community Context: How Can the University be a Centre for Change?” included Diane Ihirwe, Senior Community-Based Protection Associate, UNHCR Ireland. Diane stated, “We need to dispel the myth that empathy is ‘walking in someone else’s shoes.” Instead, she said people should listen to the account even when it doesn’t match their experience.
Vanessa Ogbonna, Digital Content Editor at Concern Worldwide, former football player, and founder of The Blueprint Ireland, and Csilla Czelvikker, founder, Waterford New Communities Network also shared their thoughts during the second panel session.
Additional sessions included a presentation of the project’s preliminary findings, a discussion on anti-racism in the classroom by Dr Hazel O’Brien, and closing remarks were provided by Obianuju Ekedozie, MA student in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Health and Wellbeing.
The organisers thanked all participants and attendees for their valuable comments, which added to the important discussion of the day.
Future plans
Going forward, plans include an academic presentation at the Sociological Association of Ireland’s Annual Conference in May and a publicly available report later this year, analysing the racial and ethnic landscape in the South East including Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, and Carlow.