Here's a rundown of the key diversity and inclusion dates to add to your calendar, including what each one means. These dates ensure you're acknowledging and supporting your diverse team throughout the year.
- 19 August: World Humanitarian Day. Celebrate those working to promote human welfare and save lives.
- 23 August: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. Honour the victims and remember the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
- 26 August: Women's Equality Day. Mark the achievements of the women's rights movement and the ongoing fight for equality.
- 5 September: International Day of Charity. Promote charitable activities and humanitarian efforts around the world.
- 8 September: International Literacy Day. Raise awareness about literacy challenges and the importance of education.
- 15 September: International Day of Democracy. Reflect on the state of democracy and its importance in society.
- 21 September: International Day of Peace. Advocate for peace and conflict resolution worldwide.
- 23 September: Bi Visibility Day. Recognise and celebrate the bisexual community, their history, and challenges.
- 23-29 September: Banned Books Week. Highlight the value of free and open access to information.
- 25 September: National Fitness Day (UK). Encourage physical activity to improve health and wellbeing.
- 30 September: International Translation Day. Appreciate the role translators play in bridging language gaps.
- October: Black History Month (UK). Celebrate the contributions and history of Black people in the UK.
- October: Global Diversity Awareness Month. Promote the importance of embracing diversity in all forms.
- 1 October: International Day of Older Persons. Honour and advocate for the rights of older people.
- 10 October: World Mental Health Day. Raise awareness about mental health issues and promote wellbeing.
- 11 October: National Coming Out Day (UK). Support and celebrate individuals who come out as LGBTQ+.
- 16 October: World Food Day. Promote awareness about hunger and food security.
- 17 October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Focus on efforts to eliminate poverty worldwide.
- 19 October: International Pronouns Day. Respect and normalise the sharing and use of correct pronouns.
- 24 October: United Nations Day. Celebrate the anniversary of the UN Charter and its goals.
- 31 October: Halloween. Consider inclusivity in festivities and respect diverse cultural practices.
- November: Islamophobia Awareness Month (UK). Combat prejudice and raise awareness about Islamophobia.
- 13 November: World Kindness Day. Encourage acts of kindness and compassion globally.
- 16 November: International Day for Tolerance. Promote tolerance and understanding between different cultures.
- 20 November: Transgender Day of Remembrance. Honour the memory of transgender individuals lost to violence.
- 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women.
- 1 December: World AIDS Day. Raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and support those affected.
- 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Promote the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
- 10 December: Human Rights Day. Celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- 18 December: International Migrants Day. Recognise the contributions and rights of migrants worldwide.
- 4 January: World Braille Day. Raise awareness about the importance of Braille for the visually impaired.
- 15 January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Honour the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for civil rights.
- 27 January: Holocaust Memorial Day (UK). Remember the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.
- February: LGBT History Month (UK). Celebrate the history and contributions of the LGBT community.
- 1 February: Dignity Action Day (UK). Promote dignity and respect in care settings.
- 20 February: World Day of Social Justice. Advocate for social justice and tackle issues like poverty and exclusion.
- 21 February: International Mother Language Day. Promote linguistic and cultural diversity.
- March: Women's History Month. Celebrate the contributions of women throughout history.
- 1 March: Zero Discrimination Day. Promote equality and challenge discrimination in all forms.
- 8 March: International Women’s Day. Celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.
- 21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Combat racial discrimination and promote equality.
- 31 March: International Transgender Day of Visibility. Celebrate transgender people and raise awareness about their challenges.
Keeping these diversity and inclusion dates on your radar helps ensure your organisation is fostering an inclusive environment all year round. Regularly updating your diversity and inclusions calendar with these key dates not only demonstrates commitment to inclusivity but also empowers your team by recognising and celebrating diverse experiences and perspectives.
