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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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-
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.
Racial Equality - A complete Guide
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Global Diversity Awareness Month
Why black businesses need your support
Why Racial Equality Matters
From Charity to Justice: How employees can help
Racial justice in times of crisis
Corporate volunteering: Making Potential meet Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunity: A thousand Colors of Justice
Volunteering Opportunity: Bridge the Gap in Education
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Racial Justice in times of Crisis
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Never before now, has there been such an impactful global movement that demands the one thing that lies fundamentally at the heart of humankind: Equality beyond the color of one’s skin. Here’s a guide to the movement’s birth in America
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