Diversity Charter and its significance for the equality policy

Abstract

The main focus of this paper is the Diversity Charter, and in particular the circumstances of its inauguration in Poland and significance for equality policy. The paper presents the most frequent areas of discrimination and emphasizes a number of initiatives aiming to counteract discrimination, including the Diversity Charter. The Charter is a voluntary, written obligation of a company or public institution committing to implement solutions that promote equal treatment and diversity in the workplace. The origins of the Diversity Charter lie in the policy preventing discrimination and promoting diversity in private and professional life, with particular emphasis on professional activity, which is a particularly significant area of discrimination. Signing of the Diversity Charter produces a number of advantages, such as translating the Charter’s provisions into actual activities, commencing of a discussion and dialogue on diversity, extensive cross-sectoral cooperation, and the positive image of an organization that is involved in equality policy. Another highly important role the Charter plays involves implementing a policy of diversity management, which provides the framework for the campaign to level out the opportunities of the excluded, who are deprived of access to education, the labor market and power. In Poland, the number of signatories of the Diversity Charter is increasing from year to year, ensuring it approaches diverse social groups in conformity with ethical principles.