Global Diversity Awareness Month

The 1st of October marks the beginning of the Global Diversity Awareness Month 2020.. Although diversity and inclusion should be a perpetual celebration, this particular month is dedicated to embrace our differences and similarities alike. The origin of October coming to be observed as Global Diversity awareness Month is difficult to trace.

It’s more than Black & White

Global Diversity includes showing appreciation, being aware and sensitive towards gender equity, cultural diversity, differences in religion, ideologies, and uniqueness while also supporting an inclusive society worldwide.

In 1948, soon after the Second World War, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the Palais de Chaillot, in Paris. The Declaration enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings regardless of their nationality, color, race, sex, gender, country of origin, language, or otherwise.

Why Global Diversity Awareness Month is Important

As technology and globalization brings the world increasingly closer and connected, it’s important to remember that a ‘global monoculture’, or a homogenization of cultures, kills off traditional cultures and unique traits of people. Diversity is the basis for healthy debate and can help societies thrive. Without diversity, humanity is sacrificed.

Embracing diversity – in all aspects of life- and of every kind whether it is race, ethnic origin, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age or ability – is the answer to achieving the ideal of equality. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “All humans are born Equal and Free”. Global Diversity Awareness month helps make this true by raising awareness about our unique differences, learning about them, and celebrating them.

How Corporates Celebrate Global Diversity

CISION

CISION’s employee resource group, EMBRACE kicked off the month by creating a selfie campaign globally. The #WeEmbraceDifferences campaign was an opportunity for individuals, departments and the company as a whole to demonstrate how Cision lives by their value “We Embrace Differences” on a daily basis. The goal was to learn how employees challenge themselves to embrace differences in their personal life and/or corporate setting. All the photos that came in were inspiring and highlighted how connected Cision is globally.

LENOVO

Every October, Lenovo spends the month celebrating global diversity and honoring different cultures and customs throughout a series of weekly events around the world hosted by each of their global Employee Resources Groups (ERGs). Lenovo’s Global Diversity Awareness Month started four years ago and focuses on promoting inclusion across cultures, disabilities, LGBTQ, immigration, and more.

ERICSSON

Ericsson launched a series of event sessions in October that touched on topics related to Diversity and Inclusion focus areas. These sessions included panel talks on the meaning of embracing empathy and humanness, discussions on Ericsson ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) and their functions, values, and missions; and presentations related to their diversity and inclusion philosophy as well as what it means to speak up and promote an inclusive environment.

Their employees had the opportunity to take part in the live events as well as access broadcasts of the sessions from anywhere in the world in addition to local events held at various Ericsson locations globally.

What You can do for Global Diversity Month

This month of awareness for Global Diversity presents the perfect opportunity to learn about new cultures, people who are different than you and explore diversity and all its beauty. There are many ways to celebrate this month, but here are some things to get you started-

• Have conversations with people from backgrounds different than yours and try to learn more about it
• Educate yourself about other races, religions, sexualities and abilities
• Encourage conversations to talk about diversity and inclusion in various environments
• Learn about the discrimination that other people may face, sensitize yourself and advocate for them
• Volunteer with or donate to an organization that fights for equality
• Make an effort to stay informed about what’s happening around the world, and stay connected.

Overall, it is a whole month to celebrate what makes people unique, and support global diversity in any way you are able to. Even the littlest gesture can make a world of difference.