Feb 18 • 07:55 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

LIVE: Launch of the public education campaign "Lower the Threshold"

The campaign aims to raise public awareness about discrimination, focusing on the recognition of intersectional discrimination.

The newly launched public education campaign titled "Lower the Threshold" seeks to enhance public understanding of various forms of discrimination, with a particular emphasis on recognizing intersecting identities and how they compound discrimination. The campaign encourages individuals to become more aware of their own biases, referred to as 'thresholds', which can unknowingly create barriers to others. This initiative addresses a pressing need in Latvia, as research reveals that many citizens have encountered discrimination in various aspects of their lives, such as education, employment, and health care.

According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Welfare, an alarming 40% of the population in Latvia has experienced discrimination, whether directly or indirectly, particularly individuals facing bias related to age, disability, and gender. The campaign intends to shine a light on these issues and promote a more inclusive environment where everyone can participate fully in societal life without facing unjust obstacles. The multi-layered nature of discrimination, where age can intersect with gender, or disability with both, creates additional hurdles for affected individuals, emphasizing the need for public discourse and awareness.

Overall, the "Lower the Threshold" campaign represents a significant effort to address and mitigate discrimination in Latvia, urging citizens to reflect on their own implicit biases and supporting the push for equal opportunities in education, employment, and public services. This initiative aligns with broader societal goals of enhancing equality and inclusive participation in civic life, highlighting the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a more equitable society.

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