Addressing Challenges to Diversity and Inclusion: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are highly valued for equitable results in education, healthcare, and workplace domains, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide. In spite of the increased awareness, many obstacles still stand in the way of authentic inclusion-the unconscious bias and embedded inequality, intersectional exclusion, the symbolic execution of practices without the structure, etc. This systematic review aims to analyze the published empirical studies over the last few years (2019-2025) on the challenges to D&I and assess the efficiency of different strategies used in the world in different contexts. Seven databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were screened, and 20 articles were carefully chosen to be peer reviewed. The research cuts across developed and developing countries and covers various sectors. There were four dominant themes, including structural/systemic barriers, cultural insensitivity, intersectional exclusion, and tokenism. Some of the defined interventions, such as inclusive hiring practices, equity-oriented training, and a local policy framework, have a promising nature, whereas the other ones are not context-relevant or focus on causal factors. The results indicate that more complex, context-varying solutions that take into consideration cultural and regional variation as well as variation across institutions, are necessary. The review also indicates areas where research is lacking in areas that are underrepresented, like Africa and the Middle East. To conclude, the discussion of the D&I challenges demands long-term interdisciplinary investigations, the involvement of stakeholders, and global policy engagement to ensure meaningful and lasting inclusion.