Diversity

What is Diversity?

The Diversity Days are events for young people who want to know more about what makes each of us unique and why we should respect the differences that make us unique.

In the European Union we live among people of different faiths and religions, people of different races and people of different sexual orientations; this is diversity!

But people are sometimes treated unfairly because they look or behave differently. People also face problems because they have different needs to others, like needing a ramp to access a building in a wheelchair, for example, or bigger text to be able to read something. When people cannot enjoy their rights because these needs are not met or because they are treated unfairly, they are discriminated against.

The Diversity Days are for young people to learn about fundamental rights and in particular the right NOT to be discriminated against. These topics will be discussed in an interactive setting, with an exciting stage programme, interactive information stands and various workshops showing ways of tackling prejudices and stereotypes, which can lead to discrimination.

The Diversity Days are supported by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and organised by city partners and school boards. EU institutions, NGOs, charities, associations and schools also take part. This project was initiated by the FRA in 2007 in cooperation with the City of Vienna - MA 13 and the Vienna School Board for the first time.