Organised by the United Nations, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, often shortened to the International Day Against Racism, annually recognises the feats made by equality campaigners. It also highlights the instances of discrimination that continue to undermine our society, whether in work, the home or our everyday lives.
Ahead of this year’s day, we take a look at how businesses can improve their anti-racism efforts and honour this important celebration of equality.
Diversity & Inclusion Speakers to Book for Your International Day Against Racism Event
Learn more about these insightful speakers, below.
When is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
Date: 21st March 2025
This important day remembers the 1960 police massacre of the peaceful demonstrators in South Africa, who were protesting against the apartheid “pass laws”. It is a time to reflect on the event, and identify instances in modern society where people of African descent continue to be discriminated against.
What is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
In the present day, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity to empower people of all different races. It is a chance to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a future of harmony and equality. For business owners who hold significant power over their company’s racial diversity, it must also inspire inclusion efforts to eradicate discrimination in the workplace.
How to honour the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in the workplace?
Across the world, businesses and organisations will be preparing to honour this important day, through a wide range of activities and events. Below are just a selection of actions corporate leaders can take, to recognise International International Day Against Racism in the workplace.
Host a Diversity Training Workshop
One of the best ways to recognise International Day Against Racism is to host a diversity training workshop. Not a “this will look good for the company” type of workshop, an uncomfortable, brutally honest workshop that turns your business’ status quo on its head.
Ensure that your training programme has a transformative effect, with a diversity and inclusion speaker. A business must be a mosaic of different experiences and opinions, as diverse ideas lead to innovation and better performance. Diversity and inclusion speakers teach corporate leaders how to cultivate a welcoming environment for all races and cultures.
Improve your Anti-Discrimination Policies
Every company should have an anti-discrimination policy, a set of processes to ensure that abuse in the workplace is dealt with swiftly and seriously. Use International Day Against Racism as an opportunity to assess and improve your policy, in line with the most recent laws and regulations.
Your policy must lay out the process and severity of punishment for employees who break anti-discrimination rules. It should protect employees from all racial groups and ensure equal opportunities is common practice in the workplace.
Donate Money to a Racial Equality Charity
A powerful way to fight discrimination is through charitable donations, investing in organisations that have the connections, expertise and resources to make a real difference. Host a fundraiser in your office and collect donations for a charity of your choice, to take a stand against racial inequality.
Anti-Racism Organisations in the UK:
Who to book for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
We had the honour of interviewing three pioneering anti-racism speakers, to hear their thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Buki Mosaku
Buki Mosaku is a world-renowned business and executive coach, whose passion for gender and racial inclusivity take centre stage at his speaking events. A successful 'Workplace Bias Navigation Expert', he founded Diverse-City Think Tank in 2019 and in the 2000s, Buki launched RosAcad, a consultancy that has trained 50,000 sales representatives. Such experience allows Buki to connect with business leaders on D&I topics.
Buki's Speaking Topics Include:
- Black History Month
- Navigating workplace bias
- Diversity & Inclusion
Uju Asika
As the author of 'Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World', Uju Asika believes that discussions of diversity and inclusion should start from childhood. Additionally, she is the mastermind behind Babes About Town, a successful screenwriter and columnist, previously featured in The Guardian and The Daily Times. Uju's vast experience makes her the perfect anti-racism speaker for your event.
Uju's Speaking Topics Include:
- Race
- Anti-racist parenting
- Intersectionality
Jodi-Ann Burey
A true social change champion, Jodi-Ann Burey is an insightful addition to your anti-racism event. She is the host of the Black Cancer podcast - having battled illness herself - and is a passionate advocate for equality and inclusion in healthcare. Jodie-Ann is a powerful speaker, whose personal experience of imposter syndrome, discrimination and healthcare inequality means she resonates with audiences at events.
Jodi-Ann's Speaking Topics Include:
- Navigating your role through DEI lens
- Authenticity at work
- Imposter syndrome at work
Asif Sadiq
Asif Sadiq, the Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Adidas, has dedicated his career to improving equality and inclusion in the workplace. He has previously worked for EY Financial Services and was the Head of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Unit for the City of London Police, where he was named a Special Sergeant. Asif continues to Chair the London Hate Crime Board and work with businesses to eliminate racism in their workplace.
Asif’s Speaking Topics Include:
- Corporate diversity and effectiveness
- Communication enhancement
- Equality/diversity concept and implementation
Afua Adom
Afua Adom is increasing the representation of Black women in the media with every news story she reports on as an anchor. She talks extensively on diversity, inclusion and the Black Lives Matter movement, to teach White audiences how to be better allies. For Black attendees, Afua is a symbol of empowerment, having been awarded the Black Women in Business Award she continues to break the mould. When booked for events, Afua’s words of wisdom are a call to action for business owners.
Afua’s Speaking Topics Include:
- Unconscious bias
- Black lives matter
- Gender bias
Ayo Sokale
Civil engineer, model, diversity advocate and Councillor for Caversham Labour Party – is there anything that Ayo Sokale cannot do? With a name meaning “joy”, she is renowned on the speaking circuit for her bright and bold presentations, which discuss what it means to be a Black woman working in STEM. Ayo inspires audiences to chase their dreams and shatter glass ceilings, as she has done.
Ayo’s Speaking Topics Include:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Women in STEM
- Women in engineering
Hire a Diversity & Inclusion Speaker
To hire a diversity and inclusion speaker for your business’ anti-racism day event, simply call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
