How to Challenge Colourism and Build a Bias-Free World

Shweta Aggarwal is an author and activist fighting for a world free from conscious and subconscious bias. Drawing from her personal experiences with colourism, Shweta is dedicated to exposing this often unrecognised, trivialised form of discrimination and its impact on individuals and communities globally. In this episode, we explore the complexities of colourism, the subtle, pervasive ways it manifests itself across global communities, and her personal journey of self-discovery through writing. Shweta also shares insights from her recent book, "The Black Rose," which offers a powerful narrative on identity, family, and the path to self-acceptance. Shweta is a leading voice in discussions about racial bias and promoting cultural understanding. Her work bridges cultures and generations, enabling open conversations about difficult topics and helping individuals unpick their own unconscious biases. As well as her recently published ‘Black Rose’, she has authored a children’s book and is a transformative speaker at prestigious institutions including Columbia and NYU.   Shweta believes that combating colourism isn't just about addressing overt discrimination; it's about recognising and unpicking our own subconscious biases. Her insights are invaluable for understanding the nuanced ways prejudice manifests in our daily lives and what we can collectively do to build a more inclusive society.  Book for Emmeline Recommendations:  ‘Sunflower Sisters’ by Minka Singh Gangotra ‘How Our Skin Sparkles’ by Aditi Wardhan Singh  Other material that we discuss during this episode:  ‘The Vanishing Half’ by Brit Bennett ‘Caste’ by Isabel Wilkerson ‘In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens’ by Alice Walker weta’s books: Dev and Ollie The Black Rose: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Rose-Shweta-Aggarwal/dp/0993232876/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CS