2024 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar for UK employers
Many UK employers are struggling to achieve their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) goals, often indicating a lack of strategy.
One key aspect to consider is having a 2024 diversity and inclusion calendar to achieve these goals.
In my many years of working as a talent partner with various companies, I've found inclusion calendars to be a powerful tool in building an equitable workplace.
In this article, I will share with you all of the key diversity and inclusion dates and observances throughout 2024, along with actionable tips on how you can leverage these opportunities to create a more inclusive workplace for your employees.
What is a diversity and inclusion calendar?
A diversity and inclusion (D&I) calendar acknowledges days, weeks, and months dedicated to various cultural, religious, and social events. These events reflect the diverse cultures and backgrounds present in the workplace. Important events marked on an inclusion calendar fall under these four categories:
Cultural holidays
These are celebrations that reflect the cultures and traditions of a particular community or culture. (e.g.Diwali, Lunar New Year).
Religious observances
These are holidays or events that hold spiritual significance to people of a certain belief system or faith. (e.g.Ramadan, Hannukah).
Historical events
These are observances dedicated to historic events that have shaped the past and have an impact on society. (e.g., Juneteenth, International Women’s Day).
Awareness and advocacy days
These are specific days set aside to inform and educate employees. It highlights issues like mental health (e.g., World Mental Health Day), LGBTQ+ rights (e.g.Pride Month), etc.
Why do you need a diversity and inclusion calendar?
Now why is this important? For many companies, their diversity efforts revolve around hiring people from various backgrounds. They believe this is the only way to be truly inclusive.
However, 57% of employees disagree, feeling that their companies should do more to boost diversity. Having tools like a diversity and inclusion calendar can start addressing this gap by:
- Raising awareness: a diversity and inclusion calendar educates people of different backgrounds who have to share the same space. This helps them to understand and appreciate each other.
- Boosting engagement: employers can boost engagement in the workplace by encouraging workers to participate in diverse cultural and social events. These events allow employees to share their cultures, fostering inclusion and building stronger teams.
- Promoting inclusion: D&I events and activities bring about a welcoming and supportive workplace where employees feel like they belong.
- Employer Branding: showing ongoing dedication and support for building an inclusive workplace helps you attract a diverse talent pool and appeal to a broader customer base.
Diversity and Inclusion calendar 2024
For easy access, you can download the PDF format. Use this inclusion calendar to plan and celebrate your business’ diverse events and activities.
However, before you get into planning, I'd like to add that you don't have to plan an event for every single initiative listed.
The key is to be creative and choose the most relevant and impactful events that resonate with your team and organisation’s values.
A one-size-fits-all approach won't work. It's better to customise the calendar to reflect the specific diversity of your workforce and align with your company's unique goals. If you want to find out more about this, simply chat to one of our HR advisors.
January DEI calendar dates
Daily observances
- 1st: New Year's Day
- 4th: World's Braille Day
- 6th: Epiphany (Catholic)
- 7th: Christmas (Eastern Orthodox)
- 15th: Pongal
- 21th: World Religion Day
- 27th: Holocaust Memorial Day
- 27th: Guru Gobind Singh's birthday (Sikh)
February DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- LGBTQ+ History Month: A month-long event to acknowledge the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and promote equality and diversity in the workplace.
Daily observances
- 1st: World Hijab Day
- 1st: Time to Talk Day
- 4st: World Cancer Day
- 7th: Isra and Mi'raj
- 10th: Lunar New Year
- 11th: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- 14th: Ash Wednesday (Christian)
- 14th: Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
- 15th: Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
- 18th: Maha Shivratri (Hindu)
- 18th: Lailat al Miraj (Islam)
- 20th: World Day of Social Justice
- 21th: Shrove Tuesday (Christian)
- 22th: Ash Wednesday & Lent Starts (Christian)
- 23th: International Stand up to Bullying Day
March DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- Women history month: this month is dedicated to honor the contributions of women throughout history and in contemporary society. It is a time to celebrate the achievements, recognise their struggles, and reflect on the progress and ongoing challenges faced by women globally.
Daily observances
- 1st: International Wheelchair Day
- 1st: Zero Discrimination Day
- 8th: International Women's Day
- 10th: Ramadan begins (Islam)
- 18th: Orthodox Great Lent begins
- 18th-24th: British Sign Language Week
- 21st: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- 21st: World Downs Syndrome Day
- 23&24: Purim (Judaism)
- 24th: Palm Sunday (Christian)
- 25: Holi (Sikh)
- 29: Good Friday (Christian)
- 30th World Bipolar Day
- 31: Easter (Christian)
- 31st: International Transgender Day of Visibility
April DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- National Autism Awareness Month: organisations hold events and activities to spread awareness about Autism.
- Stress Awareness Month: it aims to educate people about the effects of stress and its impact on mental health.
Daily observances
- 1st: Easter Monday (Christian)
- 2nd: World Autism Awareness Day
- 6th: International Asexuality Day
- 6th: Laylat al-Qadr (Islam)
- 7th: World Health Day
- 9th: Eid-ul-Fitr (Islam)
- 22nd-30th: Passover (Judaism)
May DEI calendar dates
Daily observances
- 5th: International Family Equality Day
- 6th – 12th : Deaf Awareness Week
- 8th: National Staff Networks Day
- 16th: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
- 17th: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
- 21st: Cultural Diversity Day
- 24th: Pansexual Visibility Day
June DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- Pride Month: it involves a global celebration of LGBTQ+ rights.
- Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Awareness Month: for families who have experienced the loss of a baby during childbirth, this month is dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced by these families.
Daily observances
- 1st : Global Day of Parents
- 1st – 7th: Volunteers Week
- 9th – Race Unity Day
- 10th – 16th: Carers Week
- 12th – 13th: Shavuot (Judaism)
- 15th: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- 16th: Neurodiversity Pride Day
- 16th: Guru Arjan Martyrdom (Sikh)
- 17th – 20th: Eid Al-Adha (Islam)
- 17th – 23rd: Refugee Week
- 18th: Autistic Pride Day
- 23rd: Women in Engineering Day
- 25th: Eid Al-Ghadir (Islam)
July DEI calendar dates
Daily observances
- 6th: Muharram – New Year (Islam)
- 14th: International Non-Binary Persons Day
- 15th: World Youth Skills Day
- 18th July – 17th August: South Asian Heritage Month
- 18th: Nelson Mandela Day
August DEI calendar dates
Daily observances
- 1st – 7th: World Breastfeeding Week
- 9th: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
- 19th: World Humanitarian Day
- 23rd: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
September DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- World Alzheimer’s Month: this annual campaign in September raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, fights stigma, and supports those affected through educational programs and community events.
Daily observances
- 5th: International Day of Charity
- 10th: World Suicide Prevention Day
- 16th: Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)
- 18th: International Equal Pay Day
- 19th: Youth Mental Health Day
- 20th – 25th: International Week of Happiness at Work
- 21st: UN International Day of Peace
- 21st: World Alzheimer’s Day
- 23rd: International Day of Sign Languages
- 23rd: Bi Visibility Day
- 23rd – 29th: National Inclusion Week
October DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- Black History Month: throughout this month, celebrations are made to honor the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history, with a focus on the UK.
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month: this month focuses on raising awareness about Down syndrome, promotes acceptance, and highlights the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.
- World Blindness Awareness Month: a month dedicated to raising awareness about blindness, vision impairment, and the importance of eye health and access to care.
- World Menopause Month: this event aims to increase awareness about menopause, its impact on women's health, and the importance of support and education.
- Global Diversity Awareness Month: the various ways in which people differ in terms of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability are being celebrated this month.
- ADHD Awareness Month: this month is dedicated to raising awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its impact on millions of children and adults worldwide.
Daily observances
- 1st: International Day of Older Persons
- 3rd – 4th: Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
- 9th – 15th: Baby Loss Awareness Week
- 10th: World Mental Health Day
- 10th: World Sight Day
- 11th: Coming Out Day
- 12th: Yom Kippur (Judaism)
- 12th: Dussehra (Hindu)
- 16th: International Pronouns Day
- 18th: World Menopause Day
- 18th: Pronouns Day
- 26th: Intersex Awareness Day
November DEI calendar dates
Month-long observances
- Men's Health Awareness Month: this is centered on the education of men's health issues and encourages them to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Islamophobia Awareness Month: promotes understanding and tolerance while actively raising awareness about Islamophobia.
Daily observances
- 1st: National Stress Awareness Day
- 1st: Diwali (Hindu, Sikh, Jain)
- 10th: Remembrance Sunday
- 10th – 17th: InterFaith Awareness Week 13th: World Kindness Day
- 13th – 19th: Transgender Awareness Week
- 14th: World Diabetes Day
- 16th Nov – 16th Dec: Disability History Month
- 16th: International Day for Tolerance
- 18th: Anti Bullying Week
- 19th: International Men’s Day
- 20th: Transgender Day of Remembrance
- 25th: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
December DEI calendar dates
Daily observances
- 1st: World AIDS Day
- 2nd: International Day for the Abolishment of Slavery
- 3rd: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- 8th: Bodhi Da (Buddhist)
- 10th: Human Rights Day
- 25th: Christmas Day (Christian)
- 25th – January 2nd: Hanukkah (Judaism)
- 26th – Boxing Day (Christian)
