Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive RIPE Meeting where all attendees feel welcome to participate fully. We support or organise several initiatives that aim to make it easier for people from underrepresented groups to take part in a RIPE Meeting. Here is a summary of our diversity and inclusion efforts:

RIPE Diversity Task Force

This group of volunteers formed in May 2017 at RIPE 74 in Budapest. The TF met on a regular basis to work on a list of actions aimed at increasing diversity at RIPE Meetings, including gathering gender metrics, on-site childcare, reaching out to local communities, and improving the RIPE Meeting Code of Conduct.

More information: RIPE Diversity Task Force

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tech Session

This open, inclusive session has been a popular event since it was added to the RIPE Meeting agenda at RIPE 75 in Dubai as Women in Tech. The session now aims to raise awareness and find solutions for some of the pressing issues facing everyone pursuing a career in tech.

A more inclusive and diverse workforce benefits everyone and we can’t make progress without critical mass. We hope you will join us in the session to discuss challenges, solutions and share best practices.

On-Site Childcare

This initiative aims to make it easier for parents in the RIPE community to participate fully in a meeting. We partner with professional childcare organisations to provide a safe, fun and diverse play space at the RIPE Meeting venue with a programme that changes daily. Childcare is available for children ages 6mo-10yo.

RIPE Meeting Mentoring

Mentoring is a really easy way for experienced RIPE Meeting attendees to share their knowledge and experience with newcomers. During the registration process, attendees can indicate whether they would like to volunteer to be a mentor or to be a mentee. We match mentors with mentees based on what their interests and areas of expertise are. The time commitment is fairly light; an email from the mentor to the mentee before the meeting to understand goals/expectations and a couple of coffees or short meetings throughout the week to check-in.

RIPE Fellowship

The RIPE Fellowship aims to remove the financial barrier to attend a RIPE Meeting by funding a full-week meeting ticket, travel and accommodation for selected candidates from the RIPE NCC service region.

More information: RIPE Fellowship

RIPE Academic Cooperation Initiative (RACI)

RACI connects members of the academic community with the RIPE community by inviting students and researchers to present their Internet-related research at RIPE Meetings, ENOG, MENOG and SEE meetings. We fund a full-week meeting ticket, travel and accommodation for selected candidates from the RIPE NCC service region.

More information: RACI