23 June 2016

It’s OK to be different - new campaign aims to eliminate discrimination in New Zealand

A new campaign called “OWDSocks” will be launched on Saturday 25th June, 2016 at Multicultural New Zealand’s annual general meeting in Auckland. The OWDsocks campaign seeks to raise awareness and eliminate all forms of discrimination in New Zealand - including but not limited to culture, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.

“While other campaigns focus on a single or narrow set of issues, OWDSocks is a broad campaign to empower all Kiwis to be proud of being different” said Tayo Agunlejika, Executive Director of Multicultural New Zealand.

The campaign has a simple but powerful message - It’s OK to be different

The campaign has received support from a number of high profile New Zealanders including New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd.

“We believe that our differences make our society richer, stronger, more innovative and interesting, and we learn so much from people who have different experiences and perspectives to us,” says the Mayor.

“We want to empower all Kiwis to be proud of being different. Every kiwi should be able to realise their full potential.”

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the level of discrimination in New Zealand and encourages all Kiwis to think about how they can help reduce discrimination in their communities.

Says Mr Agunlejika: “Discrimination not only hurts those being discriminated against it hurts everyone and we want as many Kiwis as possible to do their part to reduce discrimination in New Zealand.”

OWD stands for ‘Opportunities without Discrimination. While ‘socks’ is reference to the simple way you can support the campaign - everyone is encouraged upload pictures of themselves wearing odd socks on social media and use #OWDSocks.

“Wearing odd socks and posting them on social media is a very easy way to show people that no matter your background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, whether you have a disability, or whatever – that’s Ok. It’s OK to be different.” says Mr. Arish Naresh OWDSocks founder.

ENDS

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