Bengaluru, India, March 21, 2024 – Workplace Pride, a pioneering foundation dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTIQ+ people in workplaces worldwide, is excited to announce the creation of the “Declaration of India”. The Declaration is designed to ensure progress is made on LGBTIQ+ inclusion in workplaces across India. It is intended to inspire employers and their employees to collaborate in ways that will benefit all stakeholders.

Amsterdam-based Workplace Pride is joined by the Solidarity Foundation and Pride Circle Foundation in creating the Declaration of India. These three civil society organisations are closely connected with both employers and employees in India on the topic of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. They know from experience that only concrete changes to organisational cultures and workplace practices can ensure progress on LGBTIQ+ matters in India’s complex culture.

The Declaration of India strives for: 

• Inclusive corporate cultures in India where LGBTIQ+ employees feel valued, can be their authentic selves, and realise their full potential. 
• Working environments for LGBTIQ+ people in India that go beyond minimum legal requirements of equality and safety.
• Active leadership from allies and LGBTIQ+ role models who visibly support LGBTIQ+ inclusive workplaces in India.
• Dedicated, declared, and active collaboration between employers and LGBTIQ+ employees in India who choose to be visible at work to realise mutually beneficial improvements.

The founding signers of the Declaration of India include Shell, RELX, Accenture, Randstad, and Unilever who, collectively, employ hundreds of thousands of people in India and millions around the world. 

The Declaration of India was signed on the occasion of the conference entitled, ”Demystifying LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion in India” which tookplace on Thursday, 21 March 2024, in Bengaluru, a city known for its dynamic blend of traditional heritage and modern innovation. The conference, organised by Workplace Pride and hosted by Shell, addressed the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that come with fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTIQ+ employees in India. 

“One of the things that really inspires me about the Workplace Pride community is how open people are to share ideas, successes and challenges. It makes progress happen so much quicker. So it’s a privilege for Shell to be hosting this conference and to be one of the first signers of the Declaration of India.” Lyn Lee, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Shell

“We are at an important crossroad between the private sector and civil society on the topic of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion in India and we are delighted that the Declaration of India will serve as a guidepost to ensure progress” David Pollard, Executive Director, Workplace Pride

For more information about the conference, including speaker details and the program schedule, please visit https://workplacepride.org/event/workplace-pride-india-conference-hosted-by-shell/.

Editor’s Note: For more information about Workplace Pride, please contact Executive Director David Pollard at [email protected]. 

About Workplace Pride:

The Workplace Pride Foundation is a global platform dedicated to enhancing the lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals in workplaces worldwide. Launched in 2006, it boasts more than 120 member organisations, employing millions of people in nearly every country on the planet.

For media inquiries and additional information, please visit www.workplacepride.org.