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January 2022

Presidential Column
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A message from Violet Lupondo:

Seasons Greetings from IODA in the spirit of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As we celebrate the December/January holidays, still in the middle of a pandemic, we remain focused on finalizing our strategic plan for 2022 with our vision and mission for next 3 years.
 
IODA continues to get stronger as we register new members daily, surgeons, trainees and orthopaedic industry representatives who strongly believe and support Diversity in various ways.
 
Monthly Board meetings ensure continuous engagement, advancing the diversity discussions and implementation of the IODA mission & strategy which is a key sign of the high commitment to Diversity. We are equally excited for our first Annual General Meeting on February 26, 2022, we would like everyone who is  committed to Diversity to register via the IODA homepage. (Further details in this newsletter).
 
Our global coverage is unstoppable, everyone should understand why diversity matters in the field of Orthopaedics. Recently our Regional Africa Representive Dr Mari Thiart spoke at the COSESCA Annual Scientific conference, offering the opportunity for all of us to embrace Diversity in Orthopaedics.
 
Diversity attracts more talent, brings in innovation and propagates even more diverse communities. The photo below during Annual conference for Tanzania Orthopaedic Association (TOA), showing the five Female Orthopaedic Surgeon and one passionate trainee who is waiting to join as an Orthopaedic Resident. This photo on its own speaks volumes about Diversity.

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As it is the case with many of you, I grew up wondering why our careers as women were so defined and limited. My passion for Diversity is longstanding so let’s keep diversity in Orthopaedics a reality. 

“The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness” – quote from Former United National Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

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Violet Lupondo

Tanzania, East Africa

Due to work commitments preventing me from dedicating the time necessary to IODA, I have decided to step down from the 2nd VP position. I am confident that the organization will continue to grow and achieve great results and I will continue to be involved with the organization and its mission in increasing orthopaedic diversity.

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