Cinthya Sopaheluwakan and Jacqueline Lim
Prevailing systems thinking and systems change paradigms are entrenched in Western hegemony and epistemology that perpetuate colonial structures, hierarchies, and biases. Whilst systems approaches in general claim to be non-reductionist and aim to work with the interconnectedness and complexity inherent in systems, Indigenous and Global South voices, stories and wisdom are often marginalised or erased. Moreover, institutions often co-opt systems thinking to serve their interests, sustaining colonial power dynamics and systemic injustices.
In response, our inquiry seeks to uncover the colonial patterns embedded in current systems design and thinking. We aim to challenge and unlearn these patterns. It requires a shift away from linear thinking towards holistic, relational approaches that honour the interdependence of all life forms, and centering excluded communities and voices.
Decolonisation entails confronting the origins of systems thinking methods that are in wide circulation today—much of which have been codified within Western and Eurocentric-centred institutions and contexts. Decolonization also requires critical reflection, humility, and centring diverse voices.
We intend to collaborate with others to cultivate and imagine an alternative, decolonial approach to systems change and systems thinking.
In conclusion, by interrogating colonial patterns, embracing pluralism, and fostering imagination, we intend to pave the way for more equitable and sustainable approaches to working with systems that honour the interconnectedness of all beings and are life-affirming.
KEYWORDS: systemic thinking, systems change, decolonial
Facilitator/organiser profiles
Cinthya Sopaheluwakan is the Founder and Managing Director of The Big Picture, an impact organisation specializing in the intersection of systems, strategy and storytelling. It’s a woman-owned and immigrant-owned enterprise, working in reimagining business impact. The Big Picture prioritise collaboration primarily with skilled and experienced consultants who bring their unique perspectives and lived experiences from the Majority World.
Within the realm of imagination, Cinthya is carving pathways to reimagine worlds and futures. In 2023, she organised a public-facing scholarship and exploration on decolonization in Oslo, and currently, she has published an article on “Decolonising Narratives in Communication” in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies, (scheduled to be published Spring Edition, estimated mid-May 2023).
Contact: Cinthya Sopaheluwakan, Founder & Managing Director, The Big Picture, thebigpicture.co, cinthya@thebigpicture.co
Jacqueline Lim is an independent certified coach, facilitator and advisor working with individuals, organisations, networks and multi-stakeholder groups to inspire and navigate the path towards more transformative and equitable change. She brings a deep understanding of systems change approaches and tools, and is committed to embedding a deep equity lens across her work.
She is passionate about designing and holding spaces for collective inquiry. Relevant examples from her work includes co-leading the Climate Safe Lending Network’s new Banking on Climate Justice Initiative, which convened a group of bankers and bank-adjacent stakeholders to explore ways to instill and embed climate justice principles into the heart of banking. Jacqueline is also an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Associate supporting the Wellcome Trust to deepen and embed equity through its work as a health research funder.
Contact: Jacqueline Lim, Systems Advisor, Pivotal Shift, jacqueline@pivotalshift.co