Language Matters Episode 1: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 to signify solidarity with people facing racism and racial discrimination. March 21st was selected as the day, commemorating the day in 1960 when police in Sharpesville, South Africa killed 69 people and injured 180 at a peaceful demonstration protesting the 1952 Pass Laws Act.  In 1999, Australia rebranded IDERD as ‘Harmony Day’ to shift the focus from racial discrimination to highlighting the harmonious nature of Australian society, reframing a day of advocacy, solidarity and commemoration into a celebration of cultural diversity.  IDERD is an opportunity to consider the power of language when discussing racism, multicultural inclusion and belonging. How can seemingly positive messaging around inclusion provide a misleading backdrop for the historical injustice and discrimination that many people continue to face today? And how to we also acknowledge and continue supporting ‘harmony’ events that are genuinely bringing communities together? In this episode, MYAN Ambassador Nayonika Bhattacharya talks with Dr Teresa De Fazio OAM about her connection to this day and how we might hold the complexity of both belonging and racism. About our guests:Dr Teresa De Fazio OAM (GAICD) has extensive experience in inclusive leadership development, strategy and governance, as well as an academic in the field of education and educational leadership. She is the Director of Intersect Global Partners working with government, industry and community. Apart from being a Board member of Zoos Victoria, she is the Chair of the Adult Community and Further Education Board. She served two terms as a Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. In the Australia Day Honours 2021, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to tertiary education. Nayonika (she/they) is a solicitor, storyteller, and community organiser practising in Warraang (Sydney). As a third-culture kid with Indian roots, an Omani upbringing, and now calling Australia home, they see the world through a kaleidoscope of cultures, compassion, and curiosity. They currently co-chair the National Policy Alliance with MYAN Australia and support several other organisations as a board member or lived experience advisor.