Elena Giannini.
The MFA DE&I Council would like to see an industry where everyone can thrive, feel heard, supported, and safe to do their best work. Let’s meet the Changers who are sharing their own lived experiences to inspire us all to change for the better.
I am going to start this article slightly differently, with a couple of pub trivia questions.
Question 1: What is the significance of the date 21 March?
If you answered Harmony Day, you would be right, but also not quite right.
Question 2: Which countries celebrate Harmony Day?
All of them, I hear you say. Wrong! “Harmony Day” is only referred to as such in Australia. On its government website, Harmony Day is billed as a “celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds”.
So, we are the only ones to celebrate a day of harmony? Pretty cool, huh?
Wrong again. Australia is the only nation to rename 21 March, which is internationally recognised with the far more fitting (albeit less catchy) title of IDERD – International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
And while this title is a bit of a tongue twister, referring to 21 March by its official and intentional name is a step in the right direction of addressing the very real situation many Australians face.
The Howard Government rebranded the day as Harmony Day around the time of the Eureka Research report in the late 1990s – an anti-racism study that was commissioned but suppressed from public access until 2011. While harmony is a worthy aspiration, critics argue that the name downplays the ongoing work needed to address racism in society.
When we avoid uncomfortable topics, we make it much harder to acknowledge, understand, and ultimately address them. The origins of this day are often overlooked, so on this IDERD, let’s shine a light on the stories behind it.
On March 21, 1960, South African police opened fire on unarmed Black protesters demonstrating against the oppressive pass laws, killing 69 people in what became known as the Sharpeville Massacre. Six years later, the UN declared this date a day of remembrance – honouring those lives lost and recognising the persistence of systemic racism, which will continue to exist unless we take measures to eradicate it.
When we understand why movements exist, we gain deeper empathy and knowledge – powerful tools that enable us to drive real change.
I learned of the history of IDERD a couple of years ago, from a group of people who work in the anti-racism space. As someone who considered herself educated on the topic of racism, it was a very real reminder that there is always room to learn and be challenged, even as an ally – or especially as an ally, as the responsibility sits on us to continue to speak up when others are silent.
The professionals I know who work tirelessly with groups facing very real discrimination and racism – be it in the justice system, health system, education, employment or housing opportunities – are very aware of the consequences that exist for many across society. These can be overt acts of racism, or unconscious biases, but they’re very real – even if John Howard pretended they didn’t exist.
In media, we often ask the why behind the why, so the origin story here helps us to unlock why the day exists and the very real work still needed in this space. If we mask the day under harmony, we imply the job is done, when we know that’s far from the reality.
I encourage you to be curious, about the day and about each other. Curious about the experiences of others, curious about what you can do to show up, and curious around topics you may find slightly uncomfortable that you can help make better.
And when you hear stories of Harmony Day, acknowledge the why behind the why. You might just open up a conversation that is more powerful and rich than you know.
Elena Giannini is Business Director at Avenue C
To broaden your understanding of DE&I, complete the SBS Core Inclusion course – Australia’s leading online DE&I training course – available for free to MFA member employees.
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