Radical Inclusion: Seven Steps to Help You Create a More Just Workplace, Home, and World

by David Moinina Sengeh

"Using stories and examples, David Moinina Sengeh presents seven principles for radical inclusion that are AS ACTIONABLE AS THEY ARE POWERFUL." ―Brené Brown

From an inspiring young global leader—"A MASTER CLASS IN INNOVATION" (Kwame Alexander) for anyone who wants to make the world a better place.

T he first title from Melinda French Gates’s Moment of Lift Books

As the newly appointed minister of education in Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh assumed that the administration he served—not to mention his family and friends—shared his conviction that all girls belong in the classroom. He was shocked to learn that many of those closest to him, including a member of his own family, were against lifting a long-standing policy banning pregnant girls from school.

Radical Inclusion is the dramatic narrative of Sengeh’s drive to guarantee pregnant girls’ right to an education. His story functions as a parable that can help us all advocate for change by reimagining the systems that perpetuate exclusion.

The specifics of his efforts in Sierra Leone are captivating, and the lessons Sengeh shares are universal. In addition to the candid account of his quest for reform, he offers stories and perspective from other parts of his life, drawing on his experiences encountering racial profiling as a Harvard student, developing cutting-edge prosthetic limbs at MIT, and working to combat algorithmic bias as a data scientist.

Sengeh offers readers a road map for pursuing radical inclusion in their own lives and work—from identifying exclusions, to building coalitions and adapting to a new normal. His book is essential reading for modern leaders or anyone who hopes to help unleash the power of a world that is truly, radically inclusive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Self Help, Leadership, Education, Audiobook, Business

Audible Audio

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Melinda Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radical Inclusion is a book by the brilliant David Moinina Sengeh who, as Sierra Leone’s minister of education, led a controversial and courageous effort to end a policy that banned pregnant girls from going to school.

David’s story takes us all over the world, from the village his family called home to the labs of Harvard and MIT where he earned degrees and led pioneering research. But most of the action centers on his journey to persuade the people around him to challenge some of their most deeply held beliefs about the role of girls in society and who belongs in a classroom.

If you have ever tried to stand up to an injustice—or even just engage with people in your family or community who hold different values on an issue you care about—you will see yourself in David’s story. The perspective he shares is timely and important and essential reading for anyone who shares his desire to be part of a more inclusive world.

[Ali Hendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Work read] There’s not a huge amount of detail and it’s a bit self-congratulatory at points but I just can’t down-star a politician that fought to let pregnant girls attend school. We stan Sierra Leone’s adoption of a radical inclusion policy.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radical Inclusion is a fascinating book written by David M. Sengeh who as the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone’s of education. Initiated an controversial effort to allow pregnant girls to attend school. Which they had been banned from attending.
This is his narrative of his determination and belief that pregnant girls had a right to an education. By talking with others that didn’t share his beliefs and those that did. In by doing so he was able to build a coalition in allowing an education for pregnant girls.
His story can help us all to be learn how to be advocates for positive changes in the system that are unjust.

[Marta PS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (7/10).
By narrating a series of inspiring stories from individuals fighting exclusion and from those at the receiving end, to his own personal journey, the author outlines a series of steps necessary for radical inclusion. In particular, the author draws upon his work as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education to exemplify the challenges (political, religious, societal, etc.) faced in overturning the ban that prohibited pregnant girls to attend school.

The author describes those steps as seven-fold. (1) The first step involves the correct identification and labelling of cases of exclusion. (2) This is followed by a deep understanding of the issue, considering the broad spectrum of perspectives (excluded, excluders as well as the context). (3) The following step consists of the identification of the individual and collective roles in the pursuit of radical inclusion, emphasizing the need for (4) coalition-building that transcends individuals. (5) The next step involves advocacy and action, and highlights the need for a common strategy that actively includes and supports victims and their environment, and that also addresses the behaviors of excluders but also of those who passively reinforce the status quo. Here, the author highlights the significance of media in this process. Finally, the author stresses the importance of (6) delineating a plan that ensures that those changes are permanent (adaptation to the new normal) as well as the importance of (7) continuing the work towards further inclusion.

Although I enjoyed the read, I honestly have mixed feelings about the book. It did help me articulate and structure better my thoughts and even gave me some ideas, yet the content was rather redundant and superficial, especially regarding putting these steps into practice. Also, although some stories are inspiring and fit the narrative, it feels a bit excessive and self-congratulatory at times. I also did not agree with some of the “inspiring people” portrayed in the book (e.g., Shimon Peres). Nevertheless, I would still recommend it.

***

When have you been excluded? When have you been the excluder?

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reading is off to a slow start this year but this hit all the right notes to keep me interested. A lot of great take aways from the coalition building chapter, in particular.

[Marisa]

Did Not Finish. This is not a review against the book, it just wasn't what I was looking for. I was looking for a book about creating inclusive work teams that can handle conflict in productive ways. While certainly there are pieces of these 7 steps that are applicable (the most obvious being Listen to Learn), this was more about grassroots organizing to advocate for a specific issue. Much of this book is also his life story which was interesting and a window for me into life, education and politics in Sierra Leone.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would approach this book from the perspective of a memoir rather than self-help. It missed the ‘next step’ component where the reader can take action. The sentiment and challenged Sengeh faced were immense and certainly worth the read, but felt a little repetitive. Overall though a fascinating story about overcoming challenges amidst great pressure.

[Lisa Funderburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will be inadequate to express exuberance for this unexpected book. I picked this up because I've been on a unusual-for-me-run of nonfiction books. At the introduction, I really thought this was going to be the kind of politician nonfiction self-aggrandizing book to move their platform to a wider audience (and maybe this still is, but does so gracefully?) The steps outlined for Radical Inclusion are not necessarily new but enlightening and engaging. Sengeh has actual personal stories on how to make it happen. It was really insightful to see how he used these steps to create change. It is inspiring to see someone in government actually make an impactful change, learn while doing it, and then sharing the lessons- good and bad.

Also, excited to learn this was from the new Melinda French Gates imprint. I'm definitely impressed and excited to see what is produced next.

[Katrisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is important to read - not just because it addresses the issue of making sure that girls have access to education but because the way Sengeh goes about fostering the change he wanted to see in the world. In our current world where those with a different viewpoint than ourselves are often cast as evil and an existential threat to “your side” - Sengeh offers a different approach. The opposition that Sengeh faced in his mission to lift the ban on pregnant girls attending school in Sierra Leone was as fierce and ingrained as any cultural issue I can think of, so the way Sengeh goes about collecting information and changing minds is something we need to pay attention to so we can use these lessons. In a world filled with so much rage over social issues, this book was refreshing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Betty Deithorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life affirming. Inspirational. Love the type setting and cream color of pages. Excellent contrast. A must read.

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Moinina Sengeh, the minister of education in Sierra Leone, shares his journey of "radical inclusion" through his advocacy to re-imagine the status quo by ensuring pregnant girls are afforded the opportunity to pursue education. Sengeh will challenge your biases, viewpoints, and understanding of prevailing systems, while giving you the inspiration and courage to dream bigger, better.

Sengeh also shares very honest stories of his own person and professional struggles, including his experience with racial profiling while he attended Harvard, his innovative work in developing prosthetic limbs at MIT, and his efforts to combat algorithmic bias as a data scientist. This man is a powerhouse and I thoroughly enjoyed learning from this book.

[Sarah S. Smee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go read this book! It’s the best case study of how to affect progressive change that I have read in recent years.

[Tex Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and deeply moving.

Not strictly Christian lit, but something I think all Christians should read, especially those in a leadership position.

[D.J. Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this real-life perspective from Sengeh about his own highs and lows of bringing radical inclusion into the workplace in his home country.

[Christiana Yablonowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! Great insight into how to make change and advocate for all.

[grace roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and important ideas told through David’s story about changing the policy barring pregnant girls from attending school in Sierra Leone. Just couldn’t get into it so 3 stars

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good blueprint for changing minds for broad inclusion of vulnerable groups with some thought-provoking truths about society and inclusion.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

My overall impression: Meh. For me, the book wasn’t worth reading. The story of David Moinina Sengeh working to get legislation passed (and his process of preparing for it) was somewhat interesting. But there was a lot of extra content (all the excess anecdotes and the stories about his various conversations) don’t really add much value to the book. This is less a book about inclusion, and it is more about about this specific experience/effort of David's.

So this is 1) David’s story about fighting for an inclusive law, 2) a lot of extra bland/obvious stuff about making things more inclusive, 3) a few anecdotes here and here about inclusive or exclusive things (such as black men at Harvard being racially profiled or a young boy with a paralyzed leg being invited to play soccer with other kids). It could have been three long-form articles (although two of them would be listicles).

It focused a lot on him and his particular struggle, and while there might be some lessons to be learned, it seems too situationally specific to generalize. There weren’t many things mentioned in this book that I felt were applicable for a broader effort of diversity and inclusion (beyond the standard/generic advise, such as be an active listener, build a coalition, try to understand the problem, etc.).

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know a book is underwhelming when you forget to post the review on Goodreads until months later. I appreciated the arc and as someone deeply committed to "Radical Inclusion" and DEI I thought I would love this but it wasn't what I expected. The author rambled on and shared unrelated anecdotes and despite the title the book didn't feel very actionable at all. I was just left with an overwheming sense of meh, dissapointment and confusion. If you are familiar with the author and the work he has done you may enjoy it but I was looking for more user friendly step by step tools and new "best practices" rather than personal stories.

Perhaps if it had been titled and marketed as a memoir about his work in Sierra Leone I would have enjoyed it more (as I loved Melinda Gates' book) but alas I did not love this.

Regardless, thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron for the opportunity to read an ARC of this work.

[Fin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 chapters left and I already know how I feel…

This authors wildly unquestioned support of Israel’s colonization, genocide, and apartheid in Palestine distracted from the overall point but highlighted a big issue in this book.

There’s tons of great and very vague ideas. Ultimately I feel like book isn’t actionable. I will acknowledge the guidances on navigating cultural norms and information about new cultural norms and history is extremely valuable and important work.

But yeah, like David Sengeh said: challenge the issue head on so...
Why not reconsider your support of Israel and ask yourself why each side thinks what they think, and consume actual ideas from Palestinian creators?
How could your support of Israel contribute to a lack of inclusivity in your own government/workplace/home?
Who is facing the worst outcomes, and who is holding the power?

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Radical Inclusion", David Moinina Sengeh offers a practical and compassionate guide to creating systemic change by addressing exclusion at all levels—personal, structural, and cultural. Drawing from his experiences as Sierra Leone’s minister of education and his scientific background, Sengeh emphasizes the importance of recognizing invisible barriers, actively listening, and building coalitions to foster lasting inclusion.

The book begins by illustrating how exclusion persists, often unnoticed, embedded in norms and policies. Through real-life examples, such as Sierra Leone's ban on pregnant girls attending school, Sengeh demonstrates how exclusion not only limits opportunities but also reinforces harmful stereotypes. By asking critical questions like "Who is missing, and why?" he sets the foundation for identifying and addressing exclusion.

Active listening emerges as a vital tool in understanding the roots of exclusion. Sengeh recounts moments of transformative dialogue, like a town hall where a school principal’s personal testimony shifted perspectives on pregnant students. By engaging with diverse viewpoints, even those rooted in bias, Sengeh shows how empathy and evidence can counter misconceptions and pave the way for progress.

The framework progresses with actionable steps: defining one’s role, building coalitions, advocating strategically, and adapting to new norms. Sengeh underscores the need for collective effort, highlighting the importance of including marginalized voices in shaping solutions. His advocacy efforts, particularly in lifting Sierra Leone's school ban, exemplify how persistence, evidence-based arguments, and reframing issues can overcome deep-seated resistance.

Adapting to new norms requires flexibility and community empowerment. Sengeh shares examples of initiatives like school clubs and practical support for young mothers, demonstrating how cultural tools and localized solutions can embed inclusion into daily life. Sustaining progress, the final step, involves vigilance and a commitment to addressing emerging challenges, ensuring that reforms remain impactful and inclusive over time.

David Moinina Sengeh’s seven-step framework for “Radical Inclusion” provides a roadmap for creating systemic change by addressing exclusion. Here are the seven steps:

1. Recognize and Address Exclusion: Identify who is missing and why. Exclusion often goes unnoticed because it is normalized in societal structures. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward breaking them down.

2. Listen to Understand: Practice active listening to uncover biases, fears, and misconceptions. By engaging with those affected by exclusion and those who resist change, you can gain insights that inform effective solutions.

3. Define Your Role: Understand why you are the right person to act and why now is the right time. Identifying your unique strengths and position helps align your efforts with the needs of the moment.

4. Build a Coalition: Bring together diverse allies to address systemic barriers. Trust, collaboration, and including marginalized voices ensure that solutions are stronger and more sustainable.

5. Advocate and Take Action: Counter resistance by addressing fears, presenting evidence, and reframing the issue in ways that resonate with different stakeholders. Persistence and preparation are key to driving change.

6. Adapt to a New Normal: Empower communities and adjust systems to sustain inclusion. Use cultural tools, storytelling, and practical solutions to integrate inclusion into everyday life.

7. Sustain Progress and Address Emerging Challenge: Monitor and protect progress while remaining proactive in tackling new forms of exclusion. Continuous effort and creativity are essential to ensuring lasting impact.

Through his seven-step framework, Sengeh inspires readers to become agents of change. By recognizing exclusion, listening deeply, and taking intentional actions, individuals and communities can create more equitable systems where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

[Julee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Another great recommendation from Melinda Gates.

An account of David Moinina Sengeh's (Sierra Leone's minister of education) controversial efforts to form an integrated and inclusive coalition within Sierra Leone to change his country's policy and allow pregnant female students to remain in school. Sengeh's biography & credentials combined with his efforts & advocacy seem to have converged at this particular time to make this change possible.

Radical Inclusion illustrates seven steps individuals and organizations can take to establish environments that are more inclusive and how radical inclusion doesn't only benefit those who are currently excluded, but ultimately benefits the collective. (For a deeper dive into this topic, see Heather McGhee's The Sum of Us).

Some of my favorites of Sengeh's insights:

>>>"Almost by definition, someone in every group feels excluded sometimes, for any number of reasons. The inclusion-exclusion border is fluid. No one is on one side of it at all times; but across domains, some people are more often excluded than others. The one things that's guaranteed is that everyone involved in exclusion--whether included or excluded--is affected by it, even if they don't know it. A positive way to look at it is that when we build inclusive solutions, we all benefit, even if we do not know it."

>>>"But there's a huge difference between feeling sympathy for someone and identifying an exclusion in a way that accurately reflects its true reality. No exclusion can be remedied until you research it, gain a deep understanding of its complexities, and then define it in a way that makes its injustice unambiguously clear to others."

>>>"Are there groups of people who are missing at the table? It could be because of where the table is, its height, the food we are serving at it, what was said in the invitation, or how the invitation itself was sent. Whatever the reasons, the first step in identifying an exclusion is to find out who is missing."

>>>"The church or mosque and the state are different institutions.... Both have vested interests in morality and justice, but it is the state that makes the national laws.... [A]dding religious polarization to policy-making is a recipe for disaster in an already politically and ethnically divided state."

>>>"I learned that I needed to be mindful of the differences between listening to all perspectives and tolerating abuse that further marginalized the most vulnerable in our communities. You can't let comments stand that are clearly intended to normalize or trivialize inequalities. That sometimes means treading a find line, because I don't want to alienate potential allies."

>>>"If someone's liberation upsets you, there is a good chance you were benefiting from their oppression."

>>>"While change may seem to erupt all of a sudden, it is most often the result of generations of actions.

>>>"It was, for me personally, a time of profound development--a time when wisdom was formed under extraordinary pressure.... We were quick and creative, and boldly ambitious, and in that we found our reward. But I also learned that there is a cost to dreaming. At first it was my ideas that were ridiculed. Soon, however, it was me--and only by extension, my positions--who took most of the incoming fire.... And because so much of what I did was in secret...I had little choice but to live in the shadows. My critics often knew--and would only ever know--half the story. In this, I came to understand the choice at the heart of leadership: to pursue big dreams and suffer the consequences, or narrow one's ambitions in an effort to get along."

[Scott Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Moinina Sengeh was seemingly at the peak of a great career triumph. Educated in America at Harvard and MIT, he was now a governmental cabinet member of education in his home country Sierra Leone. However, at the very beginning of his president’s term, the president – his boss – said that he would maintain the previous regime’s policy of banning pregnant girls from school. To most, this move seemed to make sense. However, to Sengeh, it did not, and he considered resigning. A ban makes an already hard situation worse. Many of the girls had experienced domestic rape, so a ban would keep them permanently from becoming productive citizens. So Sengeh’s sense of calling was excited, and this book’s real-life plot was begun.

Of course, many experience a moving sense of calling; few maintain it to execution. This story, more of an inspirational memoir than anything else, tells how he organized his own mind, then his own government, and then his country to implement the idea of “radical inclusion” that animated his passion. He changed the president’s mind and the country’s hearts. He did so in a very brainy way and used wide learning to tear down social, religious, and ethnic barriers.

Many pursue education in the hope of changing the world. Certainly, Sengeh did by pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering. Yet maintaining momentum to adopt changes, even if they’re different from the ones you started with, is an arduous task. Sengeh’s words can inspire people by training their hearts and minds to fulfill their dreams and make a difference in the fate of humanity. His story is a good lesson in intense, focused work.

This book is short but power-packed. It enlightens because it did not occur in a “developed” country but rather mostly in western Africa. It provokes hope because Sengeh taught an entire nation one powerful principle: what he calls “radical inclusion.” It teaches us how to apply such powerful lessons in our lives. Its only shortcoming, which is minor in the book’s scope but common among politicians, is that his ego sometimes pedantically stalls in communicating the essential storyline. Overall, though, he conveys his tale with passion, brilliance, and force.

This book can garner a global audience, particularly those of us whose jobs it is to implement change. It inspires and instructs at the same time. It can also propel students forward to seeing their transformative visions of the future put into effect. He avoids hyperbole and fluffiness that is too common in heartwarming tales. The fact that this impact was achieved by an African, albeit with a privileged education, shows that any world citizen can institute meaningful impact.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exclusion is almost always about power and the need to retain it... If someone's liberation upsets you, there is a good chance you were benefiting from their oppression.

A TED speaker, Harvard graduate and MIT researcher, David Moinina Sengeh later returns to his home country Sierra Leone as Chief Innovation Officer, then Minister of Education, after a brief passage in the private sector, working for IBM Research in Kenya. While he could have talked about the many accomplishments he's had in his life, in this memoir, he chooses to focus on one that is evidently dear to his heart: his involvement in lifting a long-standing policy banning pregnant girls from attending school in Sierra Leone, fighting all odds to get an unfair and exclusionary rule lifted.

Through his experience successfully getting the ban lifted, he shares 7 rules for radical inclusion:
1. identify the exclusion - recognize all the ways in which people are being excluded
2. listen, to understand and learn - all perspectives need to be heard to understand how exclusion impacts perpetrators, victims, advocates, etc.
3. define your role - why you, why now? look within to understand how you can make it possible for change to occur
4. build a coalition - look for allies, institutions and people, to help in the fight for inclusion
5. advocacy and action - be part of the change, silence is not an option
6. adapting to a new normal - develop a framework to change people's minds
7. beyond inclusion - the work isn't done yet, what other exclusions can you identify and go after?

Following the author on his journey to get the ban lifted, we can't help but root for him. We really don't know until the very end whether the ban is lifted or not (but then again, would the book ever have been written if it wasn't?). Light suspense, humor (what minister quotes Eminem like Sengeh does?) characterize the tone of the book, despite a heavy subject. 100% recommend to understand what radical inclusion is really about and how making a difference comes in many forms.

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sengeh was a cabinet minister who thought a rule needed to change, appointed by a President who thought the rule should be upheld. This book is, primarily, his story of how he organized and led an alliance that made the change while he remained loyal to his President. It is a (gifted) politician's campaign book, but it's also a case study every activist needs.

"Radical Inclusion" is the title of other books that form a series. I've not read the others and can't compare them.

"Radical Inclusion" refers to a political strategy that I can't say I like. Yes, of course we want to include people who happen to belong to trending pressure groups, but also it's important either to include people who are outside those groups, the real minority types and the loners and even those who disagree with us, or to come to terms with the alternatives it is ethically necessary to leave open for them. For example, Sengeh worked to change a traditional rule that required teenaged girls to be expelled from school if they appeared to be pregnant. A rule based on the assumption that teenaged girls needed only encouragement to say no was failing to work for girls who had been raped, in some cases with the deliberate purpose of destroying their careers by ending their education. What if these single mothers ran into physical complications and needed to go home? What if they didn't have homes? It became the schools' and government's concern to provide lodgings for single mothers and babies near the schools. What if school was not serving them as well as home study would have done, and that was why they'd become pregnant in the first place? Sengeh has nothing to say about that situation. He needs to have.

Nevertheless, those who want to change and fix the errors the Radical Inclusion approach still admits can still benefit from using the basic strategies Sengeh used.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought the title was interesting and was curious how one could create a more "just" workplace and what "radical inclusion" might mean. Recent news has discussed how diversity, equity, inclusion, etc. of efforts have been rolled back and people who were hired for these jobs are now being let go in various organizations. It seemed like this book was timely. I don't know anything about the author, but was impressed after seeing his bio.

The author talks about his own life and background and goes through the steps of creating a more inclusive and just workplace. If you've paid attention at all to DEI efforts in the past few years, much of this is probably not revolutionary. It ranges from the "basic" step of identifying the issue/problem and then thinking around it: how to address it? Why are you the person to address this issue? How will you see it through? How do you maintain that progress and what does it look like as time goes on?

Depending on your POV, you may find this useful or not. I agree with some of the negative reviews: it's probably less useful to see this book as a "self-help" type of book but if you're interested in the author specifically, you may enjoy reading Sengeh's background and journey. His experiences are obviously not for everyone and would not apply to everyone but if you're looking for another perspective, this may be useful.

I think the audience for this is relatively niche: again, if you're someone who is specifically interested in Sengeh himself. If you're an HR person, you're more interested in creating a more inclusive environment (not just the workplace!) this may be skippable or may be worth reading but not necessarily something to keep on your shelf unless something about it really resonates with you.

I bought this as a bargain buy and did not regret it but would probably recommend it as a library borrow for most people.

[Tunde · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, it’s a difficult book to make comments about maybe men are. Some great early anecdotes of discrimination or racism in America resonated that resonated. Well written easy to read, very “personal“ with the various professional actions sidetracking into personal and family experiences that shaped his actions and philosophy and principles, one strength is the number of people mention to shaped and influenced him – and almost an ending and many some senses enviable list. Never quite got the detailed chronology of how things happened leading up to the decision to reverse the ban on pregnant girls going to school. How was implemented afterwards some good insights in terms of “seeking to understand first to “systems, thinking “my terms not his, and how the problem manifests in different ways or has an underlying set of issues that need to be addressed. Of course, like all of these books are certainly almost all And no real mistakes no real steps. Yes, those challenging trepidation fear uncertainty, even vulnerability, but nowhere. No mistakes. Context of being a minister advisor to the president being invited to the presidents house and private dinner characterizing the relationship of one of admiration means that the context of it is questionably applicable most other situations, but that may be a bit unfair as some of the underlying principles has mentioned above our applicable, no matter what, he’s also silent on how exactly he came to be appointed and why. Although it’s hard not to see it as impressive no matter what also the work of educating and improving the education of non-pregnant girls, and how that was approached, and those outcomes, given the ferocious, if warranted approach on pregnant girls is not addressed. Commendable work with important insights into how to improve approach critical issues particularly for social progress on the continent.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is the first book published by Melinda Gates’s Moment of Lift Books. It is written by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education who led the movement to allow pregnant girls to go to school. Through his experiences with this effort (and others), he offers significant insights into making the world more inclusive (especially for girls and people of different races and abilities). He divides this process into 7 steps: 1-Identify the exclusion; 2-Listen to understand and learn; 3-Define your role; 4-Build a coalition; 5-Advocacy and action; 6-Adapting to a new normal; 7-Beyond inclusion. His advice is helpful, but having done work in advocacy and public health, much of it was redundant for me. I loved this reminder from Bryan Stephenson: “You can’t understand most of the important things from a distance, you have to get close.” Overall, this is an important book in the effort to create a more inclusive world where no group feels left out.

-“Radical inclusion is radical because it involves a commitment to intentional and persistent action and seeks to help all people who have been excluded, directly or indirectly, due to the tides of history, current actions or inactions, unjust laws, systemic inequities, or reasons that are hard to pinpoint, but nonetheless exist.”
-“Each one of us has an essential role in the whole of humanity.” Oprah Winfrey
-The world is getting better when you look at global metrics, but “Professor Rosling didn’t consider himself an optimist, but rather a possibilist, pointing out that the evidence suggested it is possible to make positive change if we have the facts we need and the will to do so.”
-“Only when you are a lifelong student of it [radical inclusion] can you possibly be doing it right.”

[Daniel Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. David Moinina Sengeht's "Radical Inclusion" was an enriching listen. I was initially drawn to it while in search of a book titled "Radical Candor," which happened to be unavailable. I stumbled upon Sengeht's work and decided to give it a chance.

Sengeht's narrative is compellingly crafted, offering insights into his experiences in Sierra Leone and his educational pursuits in the United States. His journey from a desire to pursue medicine to ultimately dedicating himself to education in Sierra Leone is captivating. Through vivid storytelling, he recounts the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for radical inclusion, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant women and girls who could not attend school due to societal norms.

What sets Sengeht's work apart is his unwavering commitment to effecting change. His documentation of the uphill battle to repeal the laws hindering young pregnant women from accessing education is inspiring and humbling. He doesn't shy away from acknowledging the ongoing effort required post-inclusion, emphasizing the need for sustained resources and enforcement.

Personal anecdotes peppered throughout the narrative lend a relatable touch, underscoring the importance of introspection and growth. Sengeht's realism shines through as he acknowledges the inherent difficulties in achieving true inclusion, tempered by an unwavering optimism that change is possible.

Furthermore, Sengeht provides a practical framework for fostering radical inclusion, outlining seven actionable steps that readers can implement in their own lives.

In sum, "Radical Inclusion" is not just a book but a call to action. It left me inspired and eager to champion inclusion in all facets of my life.

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great roadmap on how to approach change and social justice regardless of the setting -- whether it is within a company or a community. The author is in the government in Sierra Leone and was able to put a spotlight on the issue of pregnant girls being excluded from education and the impacts that caused on the individuals and the community at large. His roadmap for radical inclusion brings together all the critical steps for driving and sustaining change including the need to understand our role as the change agent and how to listen and learn and bring the right voices in to the conversation. Along the way his examples and stories really help illustrate how to create lasting change and get at the deeper systemic issues. He also effectively talks about getting buy-in from the key stakeholders. I also liked hearing how his experience working with the MIT Lab helped him understand including people with disabilities into the design of products and experiences helped give him insights into the importance of radical inclusion. The disability community has a saying "Nothing about us, without us" - and the radical inclusion roadmap infuses this philosophy throughout. This is a quick read and very practical and applicable.

Thank you to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.