March 1 marks Zero Discrimination Day, a moment to celebrate diversity and commit to eliminating barriers that perpetuate exclusion and inequality in our societies and workplaces. This year, the #InclusiveMunicipalitiesEU campaign begins its journey to support municipalities in fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Municipalities are not only the backbone of local governance but also workplaces that directly impact the lives of their employees and communities. Zero Discrimination Day offers an opportunity to reflect on their role as champions of fairness, inclusion and equity.
Why focus on workplaces?
Discrimination in workplaces can manifest in hiring practices, pay gaps, promotions, workplace culture and more. Municipalities have a unique responsibility as public institutions to lead by example. By embedding DEI principles into their internal practices, they can set the tone for broader societal change.
Numbers speak louder than words:
- As of November 2024, the European Commission achieved significant progress in gender parity within its management levels, with women representing 48.1% in senior management and 49.6% in middle management. (See more here: People first – Diversity and inclusion, (2024). European Commission)
- A 2024 study by EY revealed that only 7% of European organisations are genuinely building an inclusive culture, highlighting the need for more comprehensive DEI initiatives.
- The same EY study found that only 40% of managers in European companies are members of underrepresented groups, underscoring the importance of enhancing diversity in leadership positions. (See more here: EY European DEI Index: companies in Europe are still behind in improving diversity, (2024). EY)
Discrimination in workplaces doesn’t only harm individuals, it also undermines organisational effectiveness. Studies show that:
- Companies with inclusive cultures experience 22% lower turnover rates and 22% greater productivity scores.
- Inclusive workplaces have 83% higher engagement scores, indicating a more committed and motivated workforce. (See more here: 109+ Must-Know Workplace Diversity Statistics [Q1 2024], (2024). SelectSoftware)
For municipalities, these benefits translate into stronger public trust, better service delivery and a healthier work environment for employees. These statistics underscore the urgent need for municipalities to take proactive steps in fostering inclusive workplaces.
Zero Discrimination Day: A starting point for action
Zero Discrimination Day reminds us that workplaces must go beyond rhetoric and actively promote inclusivity. This year, we’re introducing the DEI Capacity Assessment Tool to help municipalities take tangible steps in evaluating and improving their internal practices.
What the DEI tool offers:
- Structured self-assessment: Evaluate your municipality’s DEI progress by identifying strengths and areas for growth across key “Impact Drivers.”
- Feedback: Receive a comprehensive report outlining your organisation’s position across six stages of institutional development: Starting Point, Project, Inception, Growth, Integration, and Institutionalization.
- Progress monitoring: Use the tool’s framework to track your municipality’s DEI advancement over time, with recommendations to reassess every 12-18 months to ensure continuous improvement.
By addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusive workplace cultures, municipalities can lead the way toward creating fairer and more equitable societies.
Join the campaign
The #InclusiveMunicipalitiesEU campaign aims to mobilise municipalities across Europe to champion DEI principles. Whether you are a policymaker, municipal leader or advocate there’s a role for you in shaping fairer workplaces:
- Engage with the campaign by following us on social media
- Share your municipality’s journey using #InclusiveMunicipalitiesEU
- Inspire others by sharing success stories of tackling discrimination and fostering inclusion
A Vision for the future
Zero Discrimination Day is a reminder that everyone deserves a workplace where they can thrive. Together, we can eliminate barriers, create inclusive environments and ensure that municipalities become role models for equity and inclusion.
Start your journey today by exploring the DEI Capacity Assessment Tool and committing to meaningful change. Click here to access the DEI Capacity Assessment Tool.
