In 2024, what does it mean for an NGO like Rezalliance to be apolitical? This question is particularly relevant during election periods when associations are often scrutinized for their perceived affiliations or influences. This is the topic of our 10th article on the behind-the-scenes of Rezalliance, inspired by a recent conversation where a contact, a member of the “Greens” party, remarked, “Anyway, with your association, you are right-wing.” This statement left me stunned. When I asked what made him say that, he cited an event organized by Rezalliance that was attended by a right-wing political figure.
A few weeks after observing the rise of far-right parties in the European elections, my interlocutor’s remark sparked reflections that I invite you to explore together.
A dual mission
Raising awareness about all forms of harassment and enhancing workplace inclusion is the dual mission of Rezalliance. This involves putting words to the problems, naming the issues to better analyze them, proposing constructive solutions, and encouraging individual and collective action.
The problem we are tackling is complex, crucial, and costly for the individuals who are targets and for society as a whole. There is, however, a taboo, even an omerta, surrounding harassment and discrimination that infest work organizations.
What is often euphemistically called “burnout” often hides depressions resulting from workplace harassment. If we do not look behind the figures, we cannot provide effective solutions to prevent the epidemic of disengagement, absenteeism, and illnesses related to toxic work environments. These issues speak volumes about the state of work organizations and the society we are part of.
A threat to health and the economy
On a macro level, it is indeed a matter of health and economy. Because work organizations are not impermeable to what happens in society and because they, in turn, influence the evolution of society (communicating vessels), work organizations have a crucial role to play in calming the world we live in. At our events, we invite relevant representatives from the political and business worlds to share their perspectives on the issues of harassment and inclusion at work. Why should we refrain from talking with right-wing political leaders? Do so-called left-wing parties have a monopoly on humanistic values? No, I do not believe so.
Harassment and discrimination are not exclusive to one political faction. The entire society is concerned, and these behaviors can also exist within political parties themselves… I do not want to end on a negative note because I have also had exchanges with other members and elected officials from the “Greens” who had a completely different reaction. Instead of making assumptions, they took concrete actions to help Rezalliance fulfill its missions, and I thank them for that.
What about neutrality ?
Being apolitical for an NGO like Rezalliance does not mean being neutral because our core values of respect, integrity, equality, and inclusion compel us to take a stand against all forms of injustice. In this sense, being apolitical means working with all stakeholders who support our actions for a safer and more equitable world of work, regardless of their political affiliations.
The sorting happens naturally: those who do not share our vision, do not support our actions, do not buy our services, and do not sponsor our events. So yes, we must be wary of the hidden agendas of those who claim to support us, but this applies to all sides. That is why we do not content ourselves with pretty words or slogans, but we observe actions.
However, it is crucial to maintain constant vigilance to ensure that our work is not exploited for political purposes. We must ensure that our actions remain aligned with our values, regardless of the political affiliations of the people we collaborate with. This sometimes leads us to decline involvement in certain events.
Whether it pleases or not, we will continue to discuss, collaborate, and work with all individuals and organizations wishing to support our actions to advance equal rights for all human beings without exception. This is not naivety but pragmatism, while ensuring that we do not make any commitments to a specific party.
Civil society and inclusion
It is important to remember that inclusion and equal rights are not the preserve of one political side. The fight against harassment and discrimination is a struggle that concerns the whole society. Discrimination is present in all sectors and affects all layers of the population. Studies by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveal that harassment and violence at work is a global problem (affecting 1 in 5 people in employment) that requires concerted action from all stakeholders, including governments, employers, and workers.
For Rezalliance, being apolitical also means being a force of proposal and action independently of political labels. We focus on our mission: to create a safe and inclusive work environment, help affected individuals rebuild, and advise organizations on best inclusive practices. We firmly believe that humanism and equal rights are universal values.
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Maya Angelou
This quote from Maya Angelou is particularly relevant in our context. Courage is the quality that allows us to assert our values and collaborate with all parties that support our actions, because we stay focused on the vision, using every stone in our path as a stepping stone to achieve our goal, serving the common good. But it is clear that courage is probably the least widespread quality in the world…
In situations of harassment or violence, witnesses often turn a blind eye out of fear and/or selfishness. This lack of courage is a major obstacle to the fight against the inequalities that many complain about, including passive witnesses of these injustices. As an NGO, we must not only embody this courage in our actions and choices but also inspire it in others.
“The opinions of others are only the lives of others” – Juliette Greco
This quote from Juliette Greco reminds us that we must refuse to be defined by the opinions and judgments of others, but live our own lives according to our own values and beliefs.
Conclusion
Rezalliance’s commitment is clear and unequivocal: We work for a world where every human being, regardless of their demographic and cognitive characteristics, can work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. We will continue to act so that the fundamental rights of every individual are respected, and we will do so with all people and organizations that support this mission, regardless of their political affiliation.
It is urgent to transcend ideological divides to capitalize on what unites us (our values) to build a fairer society together because social justice is the true bulwark against violence and chaos. We may disagree on the method, but if the values are shared, then we always find a way to discuss and create society.
💭 These reflections call for further questioning… And you, what difference do you make between being apolitical and neutral? As an individual or organization advocating for equal rights, do you think it is possible to remain apolitical while taking strong stands against injustice?
Thank you for reading.
Joëlle Payom – Founder and President of Rezalliance
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