Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day that reminds us of our shared responsibility to challenge racism in all its forms. This day was established by the United Nations in memory of the tragic events in Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960, when peaceful demonstrators protesting against apartheid laws were met with deadly force. While apartheid may be history, racial discrimination is still a reality in many societies, including here, in our part of the world.
Article written by Theologos Iosfidis:
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Diversity in the Nordics: A Responsibility to Acknowledge
Living in the Nordics, it is easy to think of ourselves as a homogenous region, where the majority share similar ethnic backgrounds. However, the reality is that our societies are increasingly diverse, and our workplaces, including Schibsted Marketplaces – soon to become Vend, reflect this change. Colleagues, customers, and business partners come from all races and ethnic backgrounds, contributing to the richness of our communities and strengthening our business. Today there are significant percentages of people amongst residents in the Nordic countries and in Poland, who do not have a Nordic or a European descent, most notably in Sweden (14%), Norway (10%) and Denmark (7%). Hence, it is crucial that we recognise and acknowledge this diversity and to understand that the experience of racial discrimination is not something far removed. It exists in our societies, in hiring practices, in housing, and even in digital marketplaces. As a company, we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone, regardless of race or background, has equal opportunities to participate and thrive in both our workplace and on our platforms.
Why This Day Matters to Us
In our workplace, we believe that diversity is not just a value but a strength. As platforms connecting people from different backgrounds and experiences, our work is fundamentally about building trust, ensuring fairness, and creating opportunities for everyone. Just as thriving marketplaces depend on openness and inclusion, so too does a just and equitable society.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We strive to remove biases in how people access, use, and benefit from our services. Everyone should have an equal chance to participate in our marketplaces. Additionally, we ensure that our organisation is built on a workplace culture that values diversity, where employees from different backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and ideas. We establish policies with zero tolerance for discrimination, both in hiring and in our platform policies, and we commit to stand against racism, prejudice, and exclusion.
Turning Words into Action
As we reflect on this day, let’s ask ourselves: How can we contribute to eliminating racial discrimination? Do we do it just today or every day? Acknowledging our biases is a first step. Even in societies that value equality, unconscious biases exist. Recognising them is the first step toward change. And then speak up. Whether in the workplace or on our platform, we should not ignore discrimination when we see it. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe to raise concerns is essential. But above all: Commit to fairness. Our company thrives when all voices are heard and opportunities are accessible.
Our Shared Responsibility
This day is not just a reminder of past injustices but a call to action for the present and future. In the Nordics and Poland, racial diversity is a growing reality, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure equity, respect, and inclusion for all. In our workplace, we recognise that we have a role in making online and offline spaces more just and inclusive.
