Equalities and diversity calendar - March 2012
1 Saint David's Day - Christian
Commemorates the patron saint of Wales.
2 Baha'i fast - Baha'I
Adult Baha'i is a fast from sunrise to sunset for 19 days. It is a time of spiritual preparation and regeneration for a new year's activities.
2 Women's World Day of Prayer - Christian
7 Fast of Esther – Jewish
8 International Women's Day - Gender
A global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past present and future. Also known as the United Nations day for women's rights and international peace.
8 Purim - Jewish
Purim is celebrated yearly on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. A carnival-like atmosphere of Purim, includes wearing of costumes, and bringing gifts of food door-to-door.
8 Holi - Hindu
The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'
8 World Kidney Day
The purpose of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys - an amazing organ that plays a crucial role in keeping us alive and well - and to spread the message that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.
11-17 World Glaucoma Week
World Glaucoma Week was developed in response to the concern over the worldwide increase in the number of people with glaucoma and the result increase in the number of people who could go blind from this disease as the population increases and ages, if they do not have the condition detected and treated.
12 Commonwealth Day
Commonwealth Day is an annual event during which all the 54 member countries of the commonwealth celebrate their links with one another. Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March, and the day is celebrated around the world, from the Head of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers and Presidents to the citizens of the commonwealth, particularly school children.
14 No Smoking Day
No Smoking Day is an annual awareness day that aims to help those smokers who want to stop by highlighting the help that is available and offering an opportunity to do so.
17 Saint Patrick's Day - Christian
Commemorates the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, colouring and games.
18 Mother's Day (or Mothering Sunday)
Mother's Day traditionally known as "Mothering Sunday" is celebrated all over the world to honor our mothers, although the dates and months of Mother's Day differ from country to country. Mother's day is the occasion to pay rich tributes to one of those persons who have had a great impact on our lives.
21 Naw Ruz (New Year) - Baha'I
A time of celebration marking the end of the 19-day fast and the beginning of the Bahái New Year. The festival is observed with meetings for prayer and celebration.
21 United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - race
The United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed with a series of events and activities worldwide on 21 March each year. The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination's negative consequences. It also encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
19-25 Down's Syndrome Awareness Week
Raising awareness events across the UK.
24 World Tuberculosis Day
World Tuberculosis Day is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of about 1.6 million people each year.
26 World Purple Day - Epilepsy Awareness Day
Purple day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On 26 March people from around the globe are asked to wear purple and spread the word about epilepsy.