The month of May marks European Diversity Month across the EU. We’re calling on companies and organisations across Europe to join forces with us, the European Commission, to shine a spotlight on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in society by organising events and activities throughout May.
We need to work together to overcome these challenging times. Diversity and inclusion foster cohesive communities and capitalise on innovation and growth. To do this we must use all talents and leave no one behind. It is therefore important to assess where we stand and whether our diversity policies are delivering. I am calling for every organisation join me during May 2023 to celebrate European Diversity Month and take a firm stance for diverse, inclusive and equal workplaces.
Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality
This year’s theme is building bridges. Building bridges between organisations and areas of inclusion and diversity policy (race, gender, age, etc.).
We want to encourage you to build partnerships with NGOs, governmental institutions, other companies or civil society to work together to promote diversity. We would also like you to build bridges between the different aspects of diversity and make sure that your policies and activities are more intersectional.
To start any journey or to assess your progress, you need to know where you stand. This year, we invite all organisations to put the assessment of diversity and inclusion into the spotlight and to ask themselves: Do our diversity policies work? Do we know our employee mix? Are we open to all diverse talents? Are our policies and strategies supporting us in creating respectful, empowering and inspiring environments for everyone?
Being successful means knowing how to build bridges. Bridges with newcomers, team members, business partners, suppliers, customers and public authorities; and between different policies and strategies within an organisation.
This is your organisation’s chance to take a stand and promote diversity and inclusion. Organise activities or events during the month of May: promote your company’s diversity and inclusion policies to staff at workshops or on social media with #EUDiversityMonth for example. Why not use this month as a springboard to develop new initiatives to take your company forward?
Need inspiration? Turn to your national Diversity Charters or our Guide for ideas.
Secure visibility for your efforts by including them on our map of events and activities taking place in May. It takes five minutes and can be done in your own language.
We’re kicking off this year’s Month on 28 April 2023. Join us and Commissioner Dalli for the high-level opening event.
More information will be available soon