EU European Diversity Month

The European Diversity Month raises awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and in the society throughout the whole European Union.

It celebrates organisations’ efforts in promoting diversity and diverse teams in the workplace and in creating inclusive working environments.

We invite all organisations in Europe, whether a signatory of a Diversity Charter or not, to take a stand for diversity and act about it.

Why a European Diversity Month?

The European Commission has been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and to combatting discrimination through legislation for a very long time. These have helped to bring about equality and enabled millions of people to reach their full potential. However, we all – public institutions, private companies, non-profit organisation, cities etc need to work together to build equal and inclusive environments. Especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when diversity and inclusion are at risk.

Did you know that over 1 in 2 Europeans (59%) believe that discrimination because of one’s ethnic origin is widespread. One in three people of African descent say they have experienced racist harassment in the five last years. More than 70 years after the Holocaust, widespread antisemitism affects Jewish people in all areas of life in the EU.

For this reason, the European Diversity Month 2021 will bring an extra focus on ethnic diversity with a high-level launch event with Commissioner Dalli on 3 May 2021. We also invite organisation to put this topic on their diversity agenda.

How to take part?

You can organise virtual or hybrid awareness raising workshops for employees, round tables with experts, publish a diversity cookbook, run a social media campaign, collaborate with a non-profit organisation or volunteer – be creative in making diversity in your organisation visible despite the global pandemic.

Are you looking for inspiration? Consult our best practice guide (coming soon) for a whole range of ideas or contact your national Diversity Charter.

We also want to hear from you, so don’t forget to let us know about your event or activity by registering it here.

Diversity Charters

Since 2004, 26 Diversity Charters have been established in Europe. They provide support and promote best practices in diversity management to thousands of leading multinational companies, SMEs, public organisations and non-profit organisations. The European Platform of Diversity Charters now covers 26 national Diversity Charters, representing over 12 000 signatory organisations and more than 16 million employees.

Resources

• Best practices toolkit (coming soon)
• Social media toolkit (coming soon)