Zero Discrimination Day

In March, discrimination is tackled head-on, beginning with Zero Discrimination Day. On this day, the UNAIDS challenges everyone to speak up and prevent discrimination from standing in the way of people’s ambitions, goals, and dreams. It also highlights the urgent need to take action against the inequalities in income, age, sex, race, religion, gender, and ethnicity. The theme for this year’s observance is “Ending inequalities, discrimination existing in the world, especially after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic”.‍

According to American Psychological Association, discrimination hit a record time high during the COVID 19 crisis. 58% of Asian Americans say they have been severely discriminated against since the coronavirus outbreak. African Americans have been perceived to have stronger immune systems, hence were discriminated against in health care. The UNAIDS asked the general public to shine a light on inequalities and do our part in helping to address them.

As an organisation that focuses on sustainable development, the goal of reducing inequalities is important to us. We strive to have a conducive and inclusive work environment where everyone is treated equally regardless of gender, race, or religious beliefs. We ensure that our employees are well informed about the relevance of diversity in our workplace and communities. Therefore, as part of our company culture, all employees were enrolled in a diversity and inclusion course to increase their cultural awareness and promote a healthier work environment.

In these difficult times, it is more than important to support the fight against discrimination. You do not need to be an organisation to help the world reduce inequalities. Here are a few ways you can support people to live a full life with dignity regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they believe in.

1. Educate Yourself. Pay attention to the voices of people who experience discrimination and learn from them. This will expose the unconscious biases you might have contributed to.
2. Raise Awareness. Share what you learn with others so they can play a role in fighting discrimination. 
3. Challenge Discrimination. If you see someone being bullied or harassed, intervene if it is safe to do so. Alternatively, report to the right authorities and follow up till they resolve it. Put the knowledge you have learned to use.
   

We hope that by 2030, we will be close to living in a world where people live their lives free of discrimination.