antiRacism: OTTO strengthens the view for diversity

antiRacism, OTTO's new employee network, aims to make a contribution against racist discrimination by emphasizing and sustainably promoting cultural diversity. The employee network has been supported by the Diversity & Inclusion team at OTTO since its inception and is a member of the Board of Diversity Networks (BODN). OTTO Divisional Director Katy Roewer, BODN Chairwoman, says: "I support when employees themselves become active and use their voice for diversity. Diversity must be thought of in its various facets. Ethnicity and nationality are also part of it." But how did antiRacism come about, how can its goals be achieved, and what role does OTTO as a company play in this?

First projects and activities

After the attack in Hanau and the murder of George Floyd in the USA, the "antiRacism" network was founded on the voluntary initiative of OTTO employees. The network has set the goal of addressing structural racism in the workplace, raising awareness of it and providing advice on issues. In doing so, the network specifically relies on cooperation with experts, including activist, author and speaker Dr. Amani Abuzahra as well as renowned scientist and author Dr. Natasha A. Kelly. "An important tool for dismantling racism is knowing how it works and how it is structurally inscribed in all levels of society. That's why I try to share my expertise so that companies can also fulfill their social duty," said Dr. Natasha A. Kelly.
Natasha Kelly supports antiRacism not only with content and advice, but also with internal lectures, such as on the history of racism in Germany, the history of whiteness and on Black German history. "Structural racism inscribes itself on different social levels. This often happens unconsciously, without companies being directly involved and actively excluding certain individuals. This makes it all the more important to recognize and change all perspectives of the racist social structure," explains Dr. Natasha A. Kelly. The work of antiRacism therefore focuses not only on raising awareness of structural racism or intersectionality, but also on promoting inclusive language, for example by establishing fair terms on otto.de.

Thinking about diversity more broadly

"From my own experience, I unfortunately know it all too well when someone discriminates against you because of your origin. And yet I can't imagine how it must feel for people affected by racism," says OTTO Divisional Director Katy Roewer. "No one should be disadvantaged because of their origin. Something can only change if we as a society talk openly about the issue, create aha-effects and encourage people to take action - including on the job. I think it's important to understand racism as a structural problem in our society that can only be solved if we all make a contribution together - politics, the population and business. antiRacism helps us do just that."