Today is Intersex Awareness Day, a day that is focussed on human rights issues faced by intersex people across the world, by encouraging discussions on how we can overcome these issues and providing general education to those who are unaware of the intersex community.
Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand acknowledges Intersex Awareness Day for all those in the intersex community and the human rights issues they face.
What is Intersex Awareness Day?
The United Nations (UN) has estimated that, “between 0.05% and 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits”.1 This means that there could be as many intersex people on Earth as there are people with red hair.
Intersex is an umbrella term that describes a spectrum of natural bodily variations where people are born with sex characteristics that don’t correspond with typical notions of male or female. It is important to note that being intersex relates to someone’s biological characteristics and is distinct from their sexual orientation.
Many intersex people face discrimination from birth where they will undergo medical interventions in efforts to make their appearance conform to binary sex stereotypes. The UN has stated that, “these procedures may violate their rights to physical integrity, to be free from torture and ill treatment, and to live free from harmful practices”.
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently released a report containing significant recommendations to protect human rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics, particularly in relation to medical interventions with respect to children.2
Inclusion at Fujitsu
Here at Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, we recognise the issues that intersex people face and are working hard to become a more inclusive workplace for both intersex people, and the rest of the LGBTI+ community.
All gender bathroom signage
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, all gender bathrooms have been introduced in the following Fujitsu sites in Australia:
- Greystanes
- Figtree Dr
- Lidcombe
- Macquarie Park
- Eight Mile Plains
- Noble Park
- Malaga
We are also undertaking a review of our NZ sites to introduce all gender bathrooms, where possible. At some sites, this is currently not available due to circumstances outside of Fujitsu’s control, however we endeavour to continue creating more inclusive spaces wherever we can.
By introducing all gender bathrooms, Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand hopes that our office sites are places where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted.
Intersex flag
For those who want to learn more about the intersex community, please see the below national organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
