BASI | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

By Angela Pope

The BASI clinic ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ focused on gender equality and inclusion within their own association. The clinic was presented by Renelle Mortimer and Charlie Laine; National Team members in Snowboard and Adaptive of BASI respectively.

The presentation was extremely inspiring and valued open discussion for all members who attended. Mortimer and Laine discussed the various forms of exclusion and inequity present within the BASI community, with a particular focus on gender representation and the impact of social norms on women's participation in the snow industry. They shared their insights into the ways in which exclusion can take the form of passive-aggressive behaviour, stereotypes, language, everyday sexism, and micro-aggressions, and discussed how these behaviours can create barriers to entry and discourage women from participating in the sport.

  

       

The presenters also highlighted the importance of male allies in challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender equity in the industry. They shared some of the successful strategies that BASI has implemented to promote inclusivity, such as the inclusion of male allies, marketing, uniforms, feedback, and a maternity policy. They also discussed some of the initiatives that have been less successful, such as a women-only Facebook group and camps.

The clinic also emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and collaboration, as well as the value of sharing knowledge and insights across national borders. Mortimer and Laine shared some of the female-specific initiatives that have been successful in other nations and stressed the significance of ongoing communication and collaboration to enhance the overall guest experience.

As someone who is committed to promoting gender equity, as well as diversity and inclusion within the snowsports industry, I found the clinic to be incredibly informative and inspiring. It was heartening to see an organization like BASI taking concrete steps to address the issue of gender equity, and I left the clinic feeling motivated and inspired for the future.

The BASI clinic on gender equity and inclusion can also be related to what APSI is doing with our own Advancing Women in Snow Sport committee. The committee is dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the snowsports industry and aims to address the barriers that women face in the industry through education, networking, and advocacy.

Overall, the BASI clinic on gender equity and inclusion was an important reminder of the work that needs to be done to promote diversity and inclusivity in the snowsports industry, and of the value of ongoing communication and collaboration in achieving this goal. The work of BASI, AWS and APSI is crucial in addressing the barriers that women face in the industry, and in creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.