The competition, the results of which have just been announced, was summed up during a briefing of the university and provincial authorities at the University of Lodz Rector's Office. A total of over 50 projects were submitted, of which 18 were selected. The selected ideas were supported with the amount of PLN 10.2 million.
We announced this competition because everyone wants Lodz to be an open, tolerant and fair region. So that every resident, both those who were born and have always lived here, or those who came to work or study, feel good here. Regardless of the colour of their skin, their religion, where they came from or how old they are
– says Joanna Skrzydlewska, Marshal of the Lodz Voivodeship.
I would like to thank the Marshal, for announcing this competition. It is great news for us that we are one of the beneficiaries. I am happy because it is an investment in people. We promote the University of Lodz as a human university. We are the largest employer in the region and we are ready to implement our project. I would like us to be able to say at the end that we are setting an example
– adds Prof. dr hab. Rafał Matera, Rector of the University of Lodz.
The "UniLodz – a discrimination-free zone" project is among the winners of the competition. The University of Lodz has received PLN 500,000 for it. It consists in, among other things, providing support to people working at the university who experience discrimination, but it will also be aimed at anyone who wants to increase their knowledge about diversity management or anti-discrimination regulations and policies.
We have also planned individual support, including psychological support, for employees experiencing discrimination. We have planned an educational campaign in social media for equal treatment under the slogan "UniLodz razem" [UniLodz together]
– adds Anna Rolczak, Deputy Chancellor of the University of Lodz.
This is very important, because the University of Lodz focuses on what kind of province we, the residents, want. And we expect it to be open, modern, diverse. There is strength in diversity and we should not be afraid of it
– concludes Joanna Skrzydlewska, Marshal of the Lodz Voivodeship.
What will be implemented as part of the projects that received funding as part of the competition? First of all, workshops and training on non-discrimination, equal treatment and diversity management, seminars raising awareness of anti-discrimination regulations and policies, social campaigns and activities for equal treatment. There will also be advice from specialists: lawyers, psychologists, sexologists, for all those experiencing discrimination.
"UniLodz – a discrimination-free zone"
The aim of the University of Lodz project which has received funding is to support active social inclusion in order to promote equal opportunities, non-discrimination and active participation. It will be achieved through activities aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of non-discrimination and diversity management among people working at the University of Lodz, as well as by providing support to those experiencing unequal treatment. The project will run from 1 April of the current year to 31March 2026.
During this period, the following actions will be taken:
- Workshops and training on non-discrimination and diversity management.
- Training raising awareness of anti-discrimination regulations and policies.
- Social campaign for equal treatment "UniLodz razem”
- Specialist counselling (psychological, organisational) for people directly experiencing discrimination.
The training series responds to the diagnosed needs of our employees, taking into account actual problems, i.e. conflict situations, communication in cooperation and discriminatory behaviour. Participants will learn and practice techniques for responding to such behaviours. Training and workshops have been planned to address the issues of multiculturalism, communication that builds cooperation and trust, resolving difficult and conflict situations and responding to inappropriate situations.
Twenty-five members of the academic community of the University of Lodz experiencing discrimination will be provided with individual psychological support by psychologists from the Support and Accessibility Centre of the University of Lodz. Around 600 employees of the University of Lodz will take part in the training sessions, which will be carried out in modules separately for each of the 13 faculties of the university and on the Moodle platform. A multiple of this number will be the recipients of the "UniLodz razem" campaign (also conducted in social media).
"UniLodz razem"
The campaign is to build a sense of security and trust among the University of Lodz community: in one another and in the institution, through education and support in areas related to anti-mobbing and anti-discrimination activities at the university. The campaign, in addition to educational values: spreading knowledge among the community and external stakeholders about what mobbing, harassment and discrimination are, will present internal recipients with updated anti-discrimination and anti-mobbing procedures, provide support in the event of experiencing or witnessing undesirable behaviours, and indicate appropriate bodies to which one can report for support.
Source: Marshal’s Office, University of Lodz
Edit: Press Office, University of Lodz
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski (Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz)