Diversity, Equity & Inclusion position statement

Working towards diversity, equity and inclusion is an ongoing endeavor, requiring continual self-reflection, learning and humility. The purpose of this statement is to set a standard and provide a framework for the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) Board of Directors, committees, work groups, task forces, staff and contractors to advance equity and diversity within the association, and to guide their work with and on behalf of midwives.

The AOM acknowledges the dignity and worth of every person and is committed to creating an environment that is safe, accessible, inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and respectful of all members, staff and the public. The AOM recognizes that inequity is maintained by discrimination against, and systemic marginalization of people based on the protected grounds identified by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The AOM also recognizes its contributions to the systemic marginalization of various equity-deserving groups in midwifery, particularly Indigenous, Black and racialized people with intersecting identities. As such, the AOM is committed to amplifying marginalized voices, advancing racial justice, Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation and upholding human rights through deconstructing racism and oppression at all levels of the profession.

The AOM is taking accountability by committing to ensuring that the work of the association is free from discrimination and harassment. To this end, a Workplace Harassment Policy has been developed. 

AOM Board, committee and work group members, volunteers, contractors and staff are expected to foster equity and inclusion and will:

  • Create opportunities for dialogue and self-reflection and support a continued commitment to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada with particular respect to Indigenous people and advancing Indigenous sovereignty.
  • Develop decolonized policies, protocols, programs and services that seek to eliminate systemic barriers and address racial disparities, uplift marginalized members, and promote Indigenous sovereignty and inclusion of all members in every facet of our work.

  • Ongoing periodic review of existing policies, protocols, programs and services using a decolonized, intersectional and equity lens to ensure they reflect the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and Indigenous sovereignty.

  • Seek means by which to empower marginalized groups and increase diversity within the Association Board, staff, committees, work groups, the profession of midwifery, and clients of midwifery care.

  • Acknowledge the insidious ways colonialism manifests in our society and commit to work towards dismantling white supremacy in all its forms including, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Arab racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, gender inequity, ableism, xenophobia and all other forms of human rights–based oppression.

  • Seek out and apply the perspectives of those who identify with equity-deserving groups in recognition that they are integral to the processes of assessment and development of equity strategies in the work of the AOM.

  • Respect and value everyone for their contribution, celebrating peoples' differences and providing equitable opportunities for all.

  • Adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code in all facets of AOM work and activities and strive to achieve the commitments outlined in this statement.

Resources:

  1. Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports

  2. Call to action in solidarity with Indigenous communities re: Kamloops Residential School

  3. Indigenous Cultural Safety

  4. Racial Justice position statement

  5. Black Lives Matter—confronting anti-Black racism

  6. Gender Inclusivity & Human Rights statement

  7. AOM webinar: Making the Invisible Visible: Disability in Midwifery

  8. Clients with Disabilities

  9. Ontario Human Rights Code

Approved by the AOM Board: March 27, 2023