In May, Estonia and Europe celebrate Diversity Month, with this year’s focus on inclusive workplaces. The Estonian Human Rights Centre is marking Diversity Month and Diversity Day with a range of activities, the most prominent of which is a conference held in partnership with Swedbank on Diversity Day, 13 May.

“An inclusive society does not come about by chance. It requires conscious choices from many parties, the courage to notice inequality, and the willingness to do something about it,” says Kelly Grossthal, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Human Rights Centre. “We hope that Diversity Month gives employers the momentum to act throughout the year, and society the opportunity to discuss these issues.”

The Human Rights Centre is declaring Diversity Month open in Estonia with a month-long online quiz, with prizes provided by employers who have signed the Diversity Charter. Those taking part in the prize draw should keep an eye on EHRC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

On 6 May, we gather at Bolt’s office for a diversity-themed trivia night. Led by communications expert, journalist and long-time trivia enthusiast Viktoria Korpan, we will seek the right answers to questions that explore diversity from a variety of angles. A few spots are still available — register your team here!

On 13 May, Diversity Day, we invite employers, officials, sector experts and community representatives to the conference “Who Gets a Seat at the Table” to discuss how to make Estonia’s labour market genuinely inclusive for as many people as possible. Register now to gain insight into Estonia’s key diversity indicators, the prevalence of misogyny, the situation of people with disabilities, age discrimination and much more.

Until 16 June, employers who have signed the Diversity Charter are invited to apply for the diverse workplace label “Respecting Differences”. Issued in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the label signals to employees, clients and partners alike that the organisation is modern and genuinely cares about Estonia and the world.

In addition to the various events, EHRC has prepared a range of materials and ideas for celebrating diversity — at work, with family or with friends. We encourage everyone to explore books that shed light on different aspects of diversity, to experience cultural events, and to make use of our toolkit — designed primarily for youth workers, but open to everyone!

We wish everyone the energy and enthusiasm to celebrate Diversity Month and Diversity Day! To inspire others with your activities, share them on social media using the hashtags #diversity #diversityday #diversitymonth.

Diversity Month is celebrated in Estonia and across Europe every May, under the leadership of the European Commission. In Estonia, Diversity Day is always observed on the second Wednesday of May. The aim of the day and the month is to recognise and value the importance and uniqueness of every individual, both in the workplace and in society at large. Celebrations in Estonia are led by the Human Rights Centre together with the Diversity Network, but all people in Estonia are welcome to join in and organise their own activities — employers, friend groups and private individuals alike.

The Estonian Human Rights Centre’s diversity and inclusion activities are supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.