In Switzerland, according to the Service for Combatting Racism (SCRA), the number of reported incidents of discrimination has increased in recent years, especially among younger people. The majority of the population (58%) perceives racism as a serious social problem, and almost a third believes that more needs to be done to combat it (SCRA, 2021).[1] Promoting diversity means recognising, valuing and respecting someone’s background, knowledge, skills and experiences (which encompasses not only racial or ethnic diversity, but also diversity across age groups, ability levels, social backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, civil statuses, beliefs and religions). It means placing a positive value on differences and individual life experiences. It is beneficial to all when club membership represents and reflects its local community. Strengthening clubs by growing participation of minorities and building communities through diversity investment, education and programmes is an important aim. Swiss HEMA strives to encourage its member clubs to adopt, apply and demonstrate their commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Diversity Awareness: We have developed the diversity image above by adapting our One for All logo with those tones used in the flags and logos of the racial equality movement. This is used to underline Swiss HEMA’s support for diversity and inclusion of all. Whatever you look like and whoever you are. Products bearing the emblem can be purchased via the Swiss HEMA Shop.
Diversity and Integration Policy/Resources: The O&S Commission is looking to develop various resources and offers for clubs to help them in their diversity and inclusion efforts. To go beyond statements to action by: identifying supportive national or cantonal policies, programmes or initiatives; providing example policies/initiatives; suggesting diversity participation targets; and offering diversity and inclusion training opportunities for club leaders, instructors and practitioners.
Information and Resources: Externally there are several national and international initiatives and resources to support diversity and integration (other suggested links are welcome):
- Integration – Federal Office for Sport. The law on the encouragement of sport explicitly tasks the Confederation with encouraging behaviour that supports the positive values of sport in society. Including the need to promote social integration. The FOSPO has a diversified training and continuing education offer and has other resources for clubs on diversity: https://www.basposhop.ch/produkt/la-diversite-culturelle-dans-les-associations-sportives/?lang=fr /
- PluSport. PluSport is the specialist organisation for disability sports in Switzerland. As the umbrella organisation for disability sports in Switzerland, PluSport supports people with disabilities by offering programmes for all types of recreational and competitive sports, for all target groups and all ages, and for all types of disabilities – always with the goal of promoting integration and inclusion: https://www.plusport.ch/en/
- Fighters Against Racism. FAR, founded by the London Longsword Academy, is a group for martial artists of all kinds who want to take a stand against racism and ensure that anyone can practice our arts and be part of the community without fear of discrimination: https://www.londonlongsword.com/far/
- Swiss Scouting Movement: The Scouts have a variety of resources on diversity and inclusion; including a guide on inclusion and diversity for young people: https://pfadi.swiss/fr/activites-scoutes/diversite-inclusion/
If you have questions, suggestions or wish to help, please contact the O&S Commission members on: safeguarding@swisshema.ch
Please use the tabs or these links to view our ongoing and developing Openness initiatives: Women’s Participation, LGBTQ+, and Event Support.
[1] Report Racial discrimination In Switzerland (2019-2020).