Equality data collection

We know that if we’re not counted, we don’t count! Without measuring and quantifying the extent of discrimination and inequalities in Europe, it becomes very difficult to tackle them effectively. That’s why we are calling for more data to measure discrimination and ensure equality in outcome.

Equality data: what for?

Over 1 in 2 Europeans believe that discrimination because of one’s ethnic origin is widespread. Yet no European-wide data is available on exactly how many persons experience unequal treatment because of their racial or ethnic origin. The United Kingdom is the only EU country to collect equality data on ethnic minorities.

We know that if we’re not counted, we don’t count! Without measuring and quantifying the extent of discrimination and inequalities in Europe, it becomes very difficult to tackle them effectively.

How can we get rid of segregation of Roma children in schools without knowing how many Roma children are enrolled in education?

How can an employer ensure the diversity of its workforce without data on the ethnic and religious background of its employees?

How can we measure whether anti-discrimination policies are actually being implemented without data on the socio-economic situation of groups who are victims of discrimination?

What are we doing about it?

We are calling for more data to measure discrimination and ensure equality in outcome, in particular on the grounds of ethnic origin and religion. Our end goal is to ensure that EU Member States collect comparable sets of equality data, in respect of fundamental rights and data protection standards, so that they can plan inclusive public policies and monitor their implementation.

We are increasing awareness of the need for data about disadvantaged minorities in the EU among key actors, including anti-racist organisations across Europe, EU institutions, national governments, data protection authorities and equality bodies.

We work with experts to ensure that equality data is collected in consultation with the groups who are victims of discrimination and their personal data is actually used for their own benefit.

We support ethnic and religious minorities in their efforts to ensure that no data is collected about them without them and to hold States accountable for the data collected.

Watch “Equality data collection: what is it all about?”:

Further reading

– Fact sheet: Equality data collection: facts and principles (2016)
– Fact sheet: Combating inequality and discrimination in employment – Data collection as a necessary step to plan action (2016)
– Report of the 6th Equal@work meeting: Equality data collection in employment and the workplace (2015)|
– Video and Q&A: Equality data collection – what is it all about? (2015)
– Measure, Plan, Act: How data collection can support racial equality (2014)
– Ethnic Origin and Disability Data Collection in Europe: Measuring Inequality – Combating Discrimination: Report by the Open Society Foundations (2014)
– Report of the ENAR-OSF 2013 Symposium on Equality Data Collection (2014)
– ENARgy webzine edition on equality data collection (March 2014)
– ENAR-OSF 2013 Symposium on Equality Data (October 2013)
– Background note on the Open Society European Policy Institute’s Equality Data Initiative, in which ENAR is taking part (2013)
– Blog: Data collection: What we need for equality and social inclusion in Europe (2013)

Related events

26 November 2014 – 2nd Symposium on equality data collection
24-25 October 2013 – Symposium on equality data collection

ENAR contact person

Claire Fernandez, Deputy Director Policy: claire@enar-eu.org