Diversity

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at MSF OCG

At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) OCG, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just values—they are fundamental to how we operate. Our commitment to DEI strengthens our ability to deliver lifesaving healthcare and bear witness to the world’s most vulnerable populations. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse organization where all voices are heard, valued, and empowered.

Our Vision: DEI as a Strategic Pillar in achieving our social mission

Humanitarian work demands empathy, understanding, and respect for the diverse communities we serve. At MSF OCG, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial for addressing the complex health needs of the populations we work with.

Our vision is simple: to create a workplace where every individual, regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or background, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our shared mission.

To achieve this, we are actively working to remove structural and cultural barriers that prevent full participation and advancement within our organization. From recruitment and retention to the day-to-day experiences of our staff, DEI is embedded in every facet of our work.

 

Our Journey So Far: Progress and Key Milestones

In 2019, the People, Respect, and Values TIC Project was launched, a pioneering initiative aimed at breaking down the internal barriers to inclusion within MSF. This project, piloted in CAMINO (Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras), sought to address workforce inequities and inefficiencies, creating a more just and inclusive work environment for all. Colleagues in these locations have collaboratively developed a change agenda through an interactive and inclusive process. This approach has resulted in the successful implementation of short-term actions that have fostered a more inclusive organizational culture. Over time, this has led to a deeper understanding among staff on critical issues such as racism and greater openness in discussing LGBTQ+ topics.

In response to growing calls for action, MSF’s Core Executive Committee committed to addressing institutional racism and discrimination within the organization. By 2022, with the leadership of our DEI team, we had developed a comprehensive framework that includes gender, disability, LGBTQIA+ rights, age, and ethnicity, providing a blueprint for how DEI can shape every aspect of our work.

In recent years, we have embarked on a transformative journey to engage with countries and deepen our understanding of how DEI principles intersect with local cultures and realities. Through the creation of dynamic learning spaces, including DEI trainings and workshops, we strive to foster open dialogue and mutual learning. Our vision is to uncover and address the barriers that hinder a deeper comprehension of DEI, while also understanding the unique challenges our teams face. By doing so, we aim to inspire collective growth and pave the way for more inclusive and equitable practices across our organization.

Some of the challenges faced by countries vary and often include navigating the dynamics of working with people from diverse cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and genders. Some of these challenges stem from differing approaches and perspectives brought by individuals from varied cultural contexts. At MSF, we recognize that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our goal is to foster a shared understanding of the immense value diversity brings to our organization, reframing it as a unifying force rather than a disruption to the status quo.

In addition, we have also introduced an online DEI training module that enable sone to have self-paced learning options, accessible to all staff in English, French and Spanish, further embedding DEI into the fabric of our work.

Why DEI Matters to Our Mission

Improving healthcare delivery and bearing witness
By fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce, MSF OCG is better equipped to respond to the needs of the people we serve. Our teams, representing various backgrounds and perspectives, are able to adapt more effectively to local contexts, gaining the trust of communities and delivering healthcare that is both respectful and culturally sensitive.

Creating Inclusive Work Environments
DEI is also about creating spaces where our staff can thrive. From our headquarters to the country offices, we are committed to eliminating discrimination, promoting gender balance, and ensuring that all individuals—especially those from historically marginalized communities—have equal opportunities to grow and lead.

Championing Gender Balance
One of our core focuses moving forward is gender balance. The Breaking Barriers Campaign, launched in 2025, is a year-long initiative aimed at reducing gender imbalances within MSF OCG. Through targeted efforts in recruitment, career development, retention, and working conditions, we are committed to creating an environment where women feel empowered to lead and succeed at all levels.

What’s Next: Continuing the Conversation

As we look ahead, we recognize that the journey towards true equity and inclusion is ongoing. We will continue to focus on implementing DEI action plans across all departments and missions. In 2025, we aim to further our progress on gender balance, ensuring that women across MSF OCG can experience a workplace where they can grow, lead, and make impactful contributions.

Your Role in Advancing DEI

At MSF, we are looking for professionals who share our passion for equity and inclusion, and who want to be part of an organization that values every individual.  This is the responsibility of each and every MSF employee. Together, We Can Make a Difference

Whether you’re considering joining MSF or are already part of our team, there are countless opportunities to contribute to our DEI mission. From engaging in our training programs to championing localized DEI action plans, your voice and active participation are vital. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable MSF, where every perspective strengthens our mission and drives meaningful change.