Maikel Boksteen In recent months, the debate around diversity has become more heated. For decades, societies have worked toward greater equality and inclusion. But now, the tide appears to be turning. In countries we once viewed as leading examples of successful diversity, cultural and gender inclusion is increasingly under pressure. Some developments even echo a return to times when women and people with a migration background were systematically excluded from positions of influence.
What if women lost their right to vote?
Imagine this: it’s 2025, and a new bill is introduced proposing the withdrawal of voting rights for women. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Yet less than a hundred years ago, this was reality in many parts of the world. The right to participate in society, whether by voting or by holding a leadership position, was not simply granted; it was hard-won. And yet, when we look at current developments, it seems some of those hard-fought gains are slowly being eroded.
The underrepresentation of women and people from diverse cultural backgrounds in top-level positions remains a pressing issue. And in places where progress was made, we are now seeing a backlash — with inclusion being framed as unnecessary, or even dangerous. This raises an urgent question: how can we reverse this trend?
Why role models matter more than ever
In times of uncertainty and change, role models are crucial. Successful women and leaders from diverse backgrounds demonstrate that diversity is not a threat, it is a strength. Organizations thrive when different perspectives come together. Innovation, problem-solving capacity, and overall performance all improve when leadership is diverse.
By highlighting powerful examples — such as CEOs of color or top executives with a migration background — we normalize the presence of an inclusive workplace. This is vital. When young people don’t see themselves reflected in leadership, they are less likely to aspire to such roles. And so, inequality persists.
The risks of regression
Rolling back or ignoring diversity policies is not only socially irresponsible, it’s economically shortsighted. Organizations with diverse leadership outperform their peers, attract stronger talent, and are more innovative.
If we allow diversity to disappear from boardrooms and executive suites, we won’t just be returning to the inequality of 50 years ago, we also risk falling behind as a society and economy.
Time to take a stand
Now is the time to choose where we stand, as a society, as organizations, and as individuals. Do we want to return to a time when talent was overlooked based on gender or ethnicity? Or do we recognize the power of diversity and commit to building an inclusive future?
The choice is ours. But if we remain silent, we are passively choosing to move backward. Let’s not let that happen.
Maikel Boksteen
Associate partner crmLINK
