Careers in Colour #7: On IDERD and a special invitation
Block out the evening of 7 May for our next in-person event, and some resources on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD)
We’re excited to announce that planning for our next in-person event is well underway. The event is focused on accelerating cultural diversity in Australian workplaces, and will be hosted on Tuesday 7 May from 5:30pm in the Sydney CBD. If you’re involved in employee advocacy groups/networks or interested, keep an eye out on our LinkedIn or Instagram pages for more information.
🗞️ In the newsroom
“The key to change is to focus on the need to change the system, not to pinpoint blame on individuals within the system.” - Rosalind Chow on a recent post sharing research by Frank Kachanoff, Nour Kteily and Kurt Gray.
The Victorian Multicultural Labor Network was launched focusing on shifting the focus of multiculturalism to taking practical actions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled its "first overarching" Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Strategy for 2024 to 2027.
NSW Treasury has launched its Multicultural Action Plan (MAP) 2024 to 2027 which outlines how they plan to increase Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) representation in Senior Executive roles.
According to a recent Workday global study (‘Global Blueprint for Belonging and Diversity'), wellbeing has overtaken recruitment as the primary driver of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in Australian businesses.
The Law Society of NSW launched the Introductory Guidance on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination - Strategies for the Legal Profession.
The Racial Justice Conference will take place on 19 April in Sydney, presented by the Racial Justice Centre. Grab your tickets here.
🌏 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD)
On 21 March 1960, police in South Africa opened fire on protesters demonstrating against anti-black pass laws, killing 69 people and injuring 180 people, known as the Sharpeville massacre.
The United Nations marks the day as The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Australia still refers to this day as Harmony Day, where individuals are encouraged to share and celebrate their cultural identities. This was created in 1999 to portray a unified multicultural society. While the concept of harmony is important, it should not mask the fact that racism is still an issue we need to discuss and address.
📖 IDERD Resources
Scanlon Foundation Research Institute: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/publications/mapping-social-cohesion-report/2023-mapping-social-cohesion-report
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-23/talking-about-racism-during-celebration-of-harmony-week/100925672
The Conversation Australia + NZ: https://theconversation.com/racism-at-work-a-call-to-anti-racist-action-for-australian-organisations-179758
Hue: Colour the Conversation: https://huecolourtheconversation.com/shop/p/inclusive-workplace-tookit
Australian Human Rights Commission: https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/workplace-cultural-diversity-tool
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia: https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/its-the-day-for-elimination-of-racism-why-does-australia-call-it-harmony-day/nrexmxh21
Addi Road Community Organisation: https://addiroad.org.au/racismnotwelcome/
