What is Race Equality Week
5th - 11th February 2024 marks Race Equality Week, an annual UK-wide event founded by Race Equality Matters that encourages organisations and individuals to actively address the challenges impacting race equality in the workplace. The event was first held in 2020 and an increasing number of organisations participate each year.
Race Equality Week urges organisations to consider the barriers often faced by people from underrepresented ethnic groups at work, such as bias, microaggressions and stereotypes, that contribute to unfair disparities in recruitment, representation (particularly in leadership roles) and career development opportunities.
During this week organisations engage in activities, initiatives and discussions focused on fostering understanding, challenging discrimination, and promoting equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Activities can include workshops, webinars, panel discussions and cultural events. Many organisations also choose this time to share their progress and future commitments to eliminating racial disparities and discrimination.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Listen, Act, Change’ and urges organisations to:
Listen to colleagues to understand the challenges they are facing.
Act on addressing challenges and learn about the initiatives and resources that can be implemented to support and empower colleagues from underrepresented ethnic groups.
Change the status quo by taking meaningful action to advance race equality. This is imperative and organisations who play their part in making a difference can inspire their colleagues to do the same.
We are all responsible for race equality and inclusion in the workplace and each one of us must take positive, proactive steps to achieve it. However, we appreciate that in order to Listen, Act and Change some people need to build their awareness and confidence in the topic first.
Therefore during Race Equality Week, WiHTL & DiR will host a ‘Listen, Act, Change’ webinar on Wednesday 7th February 2-3pm, with panelists Miranda Simms, Wellbeing & Inclusion Lead at TUI and Michael Brown, Contracts and Sourcing Manager at Post Office. They will be sharing practical guidance for both individuals and organisations who want to drive meaningful change to create safe and equitable workplaces for all.
Finally we will launch the third and final part of the WiHTL & DiR Race & Ethnicity Toolkit supported by IHG. The Toolkit is a product of extensive collaboration with our Race & Ethnicity Committee and other Members of our Collaboration Community who have made race equality and inclusion a priority in their organisation. The Toolkit consists of three parts. In Part 1, we explore some of the actions we can all take individually to challenge racial inequalities in the workplace and create safe, inclusive environments. The second part of the Race & Ethnicity Toolkit is aimed at line managers and leaders across the sector and provides practical guidance on the actions they can take to become inclusive leaders. Part 3 is aimed at HR and EDI professionals, providing guidance on how to address race equality at an organisational level.
Throughout Race Equality Week we’ll also be spotlighting some brilliant individuals from across our community who will be sharing their career journeys and best pieces of advice. Make sure you follow us on LinkedIn for all of the latest news and updates.