Make an Impact This September: DEI & HR Dates That Matter
September is a month of reflection and action for HR and organizational leaders. It’s a time when many workplaces return to full operations after summer, making it an ideal moment to align people strategies with values of equity, inclusion, and reconciliation. Several important commemorative dates this month provide opportunities to pause, acknowledge systemic inequities, and take meaningful steps toward building inclusive workplaces.
Why These Dates Matter for DEI and HR Leaders
Marking DEI and HR calendar dates is not about symbolic gestures—it’s about embedding values into workplace culture. These observances remind organizations to assess their policies, practices, and culture to ensure equity and inclusion are more than aspirational statements. For HR leaders, these dates are powerful entry points for education, dialogue, policy review, and meaningful action that improves employee experience and organizational resilience.
Key September Dates
Gender Equality Week – September 23–27, 2025
What it is:
Gender Equality Week highlights progress made toward gender equity in Canada, while recognizing the work still required to dismantle systemic barriers.
Why it matters:
Gender equity isn’t achieved through numbers alone—it requires intentional recruitment, development, and retention practices. This week is a valuable opportunity for leaders to pause and ask: Whose voices are being amplified in our workplace? Who gets heard, promoted, and supported—and who may be overlooked?
How HR Can Lead the Way
- Audit representation: Look at who holds leadership roles, sits on decision-making committees, and receives high-visibility assignments. Where are the gaps?
- Amplify voices: Create channels for underrepresented employees to contribute ideas and be heard—whether through ERGs, town halls, or structured feedback loops.
- Review policies: Ensure parental leave, flexible work, and caregiving supports are equitable and inclusive.
- Educate and engage: Use this week to host discussions, share gender equity learning resources, or run workshops on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership.
Steps Leaders can take:
- Reflect on decision-making: Review hiring, promotion, and succession planning processes. Are there hidden biases or “culture fit” assumptions shaping outcomes?
- Celebrate progress: Spotlight stories of employees making a difference in advancing gender equality within your organization.
International Equal Pay Day – September 18, 2025
What it is:
This UN-recognized day draws attention to global gender pay gaps, reminding us that women still earn significantly less than men for equal work.
Why it matters:
Pay equity is not just about compliance; it’s about fairness, trust, and organizational integrity. This day is a reminder to ask: Whose work is valued in our organization? Are some roles or contributions systematically undervalued? Are promotion opportunities and compensation practices truly equitable?
Ways to Put This Into Practice:
- Conduct a pay equity audit: Look not just at base salaries, but also at bonuses, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Examine patterns of advancement: Are certain groups consistently promoted more quickly or into higher-paying roles?
- Review job descriptions: Ensure they reflect actual responsibilities and are free of gendered assumptions.
- Commit to transparency: Share clear pay bands and promotion criteria with employees. Transparency builds trust and helps reduce bias.
- Educate managers: Provide training on equitable performance evaluation and recognition practices.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day – September 30, 2025
What it is:
September 30 is both National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day—a day of remembrance, reflection, and action across Canada.
This federal statutory holiday honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as Survivors, their families, and communities. It is a time to acknowledge the tragic and painful history of residential schools and the ongoing impacts these institutions continue to have today. Public commemoration is a vital part of the reconciliation process and a step toward healing and meaningful change.
Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative, began to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools. The orange shirt has become a powerful symbol of the stripping away of culture, language, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children for generations.
The message of Orange Shirt Day—“Every Child Matters”—reminds us of the importance of listening, learning, and taking action to ensure a future where every child can thrive in safety, dignity, and belonging.
On September 30, we encourage everyone to wear an orange shirt, take time to reflect, and engage in learning and dialogue about Canada’s history and the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
Watch the video below to hear Phyllis’ orange shirt story.
Why it matters:
Reconciliation is not a single day—it’s a sustained commitment. Workplaces are key spaces where systemic inequities can either be perpetuated or dismantled. This day is a reminder to ask: Whose history and knowledge are valued in our organization? Do Indigenous employees feel safe, included, and respected? Are Indigenous communities represented in our partnerships and decisions?
Turn Awareness into Action:
- Acknowledge and reflect: Provide paid time for staff to attend community events, workshops, or personal reflection.
- Partner with Indigenous educators and organizations: Bring in voices and perspectives that can guide meaningful learning and change.
- Review recruitment and procurement practices: Actively create pathways for Indigenous candidates and businesses.
- Support Indigenous employees: Establish culturally safe spaces, mentorship opportunities, and supports for career advancement.
- Make reconciliation visible year-round: Integrate Indigenous ways of knowing into training, strategy, and organizational culture—not just in September.
CEC Offerings to Support Continuous Learning and Action
At Canadian Equality Consulting (CEC), we believe that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning, reflection, and action. To support individuals and organizations in deepening their understanding and commitment, we’ve developed several educational offerings:
1. Live Webinar – Indigenous Leadership: Authentic Inclusion
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Cost: $15 plus service fees
This powerful webinar equips leaders at all levels with the knowledge, context, and tools to meaningfully support authentic inclusion with Indigenous Peoples in their organizations.
Speaker: Lorelei Parker (Blue Thunder Spirit Woman) – a Métis Canadian Cultural Mediator, Rotary Peace Fellow, Positive Peace Activator, and alumna of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Program.
2. Commemorative E-Courses
Navigating Canada’s Complex Histories: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Cost: $75 + Tax
Explore the many layers of Canada’s complex histories, focusing on the impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples. Learn about respectful language, relational accountability, and meaningful everyday actions that support reconciliation.
Indigeneity in Turtle Island: Footprints Across These Lands
Cost: $75 + Tax
Gain a deeper understanding of the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. This course includes guidance on creating authentic and meaningful land acknowledgements.
3. Truth and Reconciliation Learning Path on Equality 360
Our Truth and Reconciliation Learning Path provides a comprehensive journey for teams and organizations. It includes:
- Two microlearning modules focused on Truth and Reconciliation
- Both commemorative e-courses listed above included
- Facilitation guides for leaders
- Resources and toolkits to support ongoing action and dialogue
These resources are available exclusively through Equality 360, CEC’s learning platform.
For more information, contact winnie@canadianequality.ca.
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