Diverse Cymru launches

Diverse Cymru launched at the Senedd on 2 December 2011 in an event hosted by Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House.

The charity aims to combat inequality and discrimination in Wales. It embodies a new approach to tackling inequality that recognises that people experience discrimination through multiple channels and on the basis of multiple perceived characteristics, so simply focusing on one aspect of their experience of inequality is inadequate. 

This single equalities approach has already been adopted by the UK and Welsh Governments and is rapidly being taken up by service providers, organisations and businesses across the UK, who are now also obligated under the Equalities Act 2010 to ensure that people who have been identified as having 'protected characteristics' are not discriminated against. Until now, Wales has not had a central hub that could bring together Welsh equality expertise and provide these organisations with the advice and support that they need.

Diverse Cymru also provides support and services to people who experience inequality or face discrimination, such as advocacy and independent living support. The charity works to create opportunities for participation and champion the voices of people who come from groups that are underrepresented. 

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Judith Woodman, Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council and Diverse Cymru's honorary President, said: ''I believe that it will provide real and lasting benefits for the people of Cardiff, and of Wales.'

Jane Hutt stated that the Welsh Government shared Diverse Cymru's vision: 'Like you, we are committed to ensuring that every citizen of Wales has the opportunity to contribute to the social and economic life of Wales. We all want a society where people are valued as individuals, where there's diversity and equality and respect for all.'

'To truly make a difference we need the support of public bodies across Wales, working with us, with the third sector and with each other to make equality and inclusion a reality.'

Chief Executive of Diverse Cymru, Charles Willie, said 'This is an exciting development for Wales. Equality issues will affect us all at some point in our lives. This could be because of the colour of our skin or our sex, as we get older or if we become disabled or on the basis of any other characteristic that is perceived as ‘different’. We now have the means to challenge this head on, and to support the needs of a diverse Wales.'

Find out more about Diverse Cymru at www.diversecymru.org.uk