• UN calls for action to combat rising Islamophobia 

In our multicultural Sri Lankan society where diversity is celebrated, there is a silent crisis when it comes to truly combating Islamophobia and the increasing gaps in our communities. Our island is not alone in this reality, as the world sees Islamophobia rising to unprecedented levels. 

“Islamophobia is out of control in ways we have not seen in almost 10 years,” Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Director Research and Advocacy Corey Saylor said in a statement to ABC News. CAIR research marks a 216% increase in Islamophobic sentiment over the previous year. How do we approach this locally and ensure that we are leading the way in terms of a collective effort to unite all Sri Lankans?

Bestselling author Mimi Nicklin, a resident and business owner in Colombo, said that the shift begins with collective empathy and understanding. “As the United Nations calls for action to address this growing issue, it is clear that the creation of deeper understanding and dialogue are key steps to fostering tolerance and social cohesion. By truly listening to one another, we can bridge the divides and promote a society that thrives on shared values, open dialogue ,and mutual respect. Listening is a superpower – we just aren’t using it actively.”

Nicklin is a bestselling author and CEO with over 12,500 students all over the world. She specialises in improving dialogue, performance, and engagement in forward-thinking organisations. She is the Founder of the Empathy Everywhere Academy, the world’s most extensive training platform to use social intelligence and team communication to drive transformational change. Her podcast, ‘MiMi YouYou,’ is growing at over 800% a month and her second leadership book will be out mid-2024. 

As a CEO and leading social intelligence coach, Nicklin spends her time working with the world’s largest Fortune 500 brands, as well as local charities, NGOs, and social organisations to drive training and organisational transformation to lead to more cohesive engagement. “We spend five-sevenths of our lives in the workplace so this is a strong place to start a journey of reconnection across multi-generational and multicultural teams,” said Nicklin. 

Beyond the corporate world, Nicklin believes it is essential for our education systems to incorporate empathy-based learning, encouraging students to delve into the diverse cultures, religions, and traditions that permeate Sri Lankan society. 

“By nurturing an appreciation for the richness of our multicultural landscape, we can dispel stereotypes and misconceptions that divide us. When our children grow up with the ability to take the perspective of others, they become agents of change, challenging prejudice and building bridges of understanding.”

Nicklin added that the media played an equally pivotal role in shaping public opinion. By promoting empathetic storytelling and reporting, the media can break down the barriers of fear and misunderstanding that underpin social segregation and discrimination. By sharing stories that showcase our shared human experience and progress, we can dismantle harmful narratives and foster empathy among different communities. 

As we confront the rise of Islamophobia, empathy emerges as a powerful tool. It is only through listening and understanding that we can build a future where social segregation can be eradicated. 

“As we face this uncomfortable discussion head-on, I believe we can work as a unified community to answer the UN’s call for action. It all starts with listening, deeply and actively. After all, if you don’t understand those you share your community with, how will you ever be able to find common ground?”

Nicklin can be reached via @miminicklin across social media or via www.empathyeverywhere.co. Her recent series ‘Empathy for Ramadan’ has nearly 10,000 views and is live on her YouTube channel.