Co-Chair
Karine Audouze

Co-Chair
Pål Kvernaas

Diversity and Equality Law Committee

The Diversity and Equality Law Committee includes private practitioners, in-house attorneys, and academics working with corporate clients on issues like pay equity, anti-discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights. Members come from leading law firms, corporations, and various perspectives. The Committee publishes an annual newsletter highlighting new developments and issues of interest. The Committee also comprises the Disability Rights Working Group, focused on disabled individuals' rights in the workplace. The Committee collaborates with the Employment and Industrial Relations Law Committee, the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee , and the Global Employment Institute.

Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences

Publications

Non-biological mothers gained equal parental rights through constitutional court judgment in Italy

A recent judgment of the Italian Constitutional Court stated that the so-called ‘intentional mother’ (in a female same-sex couple, the non-biological mother) is entitled to the mandatory leave of absence from work which is normally intended for fathers in opposite-sex couples. This article explains the rationale for the ruling and how this decision may open the way towards the recognition of diverse family structures and contribute to the principle of equal treatment, thus indicating a meaningful signal of change that could, over time, contribute to potentially strengthening the legal status of LGBTQ+ families in Italy. It also considers the broader implications that this first step may have for Italian law, European human rights standards and international debates on inclusive family rights, including at the workplace.

Released on Oct 06, 2025

Artificial intelligence in Indian workplaces: diversity law issues from hiring to exits

AI has transitioned from experimental expensive novelty to a core affordable operational tool in organisations from various industries including those in India. This article considers the role AI plays in hiring and recruitment, employee performance management and redundancy, among other areas, and the challenges AI presents in these roles.

Released on Sep 24, 2025

Workplace diversity and inclusion: India’s evolving approach towards embracing DEI

This article examines India’s evolving DEI compliance landscape, highlights compliance and cultural gaps across sectors and explores operational challenges and strategies employers must navigate to embed inclusion in both form and function.

Released on Sep 24, 2025

Non-discrimination rules in job advertising in Ukraine

This article describes the recent changes in employment laws in Ukraine regarding non-discrimination rules during recruitment, in particular in the field of job advertising. It also examines the relevant legislation’s alignment with Ukraine’s EU integration objectives and existing national legal frameworks.

Released on Sep 24, 2025

Subcommittees and other groups

The Diversity and Equality Law Committee also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.

  • Disability Rights Working Group