Zero Discrimination Day

Zero discrimination day was established to celebrate everyone’s right to live a full life with dignity regardless of age, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, skin colour, height, weight, profession, education, and beliefs. Many countries have and still use discrimination as a way of governing.

Who celebrates?

Everyone – it’s a global awareness day!

How do people celebrate?

• The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is the butterfly, widely used by people to share their stories and photos as a way to end discrimination and work towards positive transformation
• Organisations use the opportunity to ensure everyone knows their rights, and how to report discrimination if they see it.

What should I know?

• Discrimination is when people are not treated equally or are treated less favourably than others
• UK law defines 4 types of discrimination; direct, indirect, harassment and victimisation
• There are 9 characteristics that are protected from discrimination in the UK; age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy / maternity, marriage / civil partnership, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation.

How can I support others?

• Use the additional resources to ensure that you understand discrimination and how to recognise it
• Ensure that your team members and the people you serve know how to report discrimination if they see it and talk about what true inclusion means to you
• Equality and inclusion are everyone’s responsibility; if you see anything you believe to be discriminatory or exclusive, report it.

Gov.UK: Types of Discrimination: https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights

ACAS video: Protected characteristics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxkC8A648JA

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Equality law explained:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdFw_i03V0A

UNAids Brochure: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2021/2021-zero-discrimination-day-end-inequalities