Embracing Pink Friday: RFI’s Commitment to a More Inclusive Workplace

At RFI, we’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and celebrated. This year, we proudly joined the 2024 Pink Friday falling on 8 November, a global initiative that originated in 2014 by Goldman Sachs Hong Kong. Pink Friday has become a meaningful tradition that highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in workplaces across Hong Kong, Asia Pacific, and beyond.

Pink Friday is a multi-industry event where employees are encouraged to wear pink as a symbol of unity with the LGBTQ+ community. Initially launched in Hong Kong, Pink Friday has since expanded to over 113 organisations in our region, each bringing their unique touch to this annual celebration. It’s a powerful demonstration of solidarity across industries, where companies come together to make the invisible visible and show that everyone has a place and a voice.

Our team at RFI celebrated Pink Friday this year with a gathering to share a rainbow cake and to discuss ways we can support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in our workplace and beyond. In our conversations, we explored how an open and accepting workplace environment helps every individual bring their full selves to work. By fostering a culture that values authenticity and respect, we hope to empower all employees to feel safe, supported, and seen. Pink Friday is a reminder that embracing DEI at workplace benefits not only LGBTQ+ individuals but also strengthens the workplace as a whole, creating an environment where diversity of thought and experience can flourish.

Hong Kong is home to a rich diversity of people, backgrounds, and perspectives. However, LGBTQ+ individuals still face challenges, both within and outside the workplace. We believe that visible support, such as participating in Pink Friday, is essential to raising awareness and creating a more understanding and supportive society. An inclusive workplace does more than foster belonging—it builds a sense of community that encourages open dialogue, breaks down stereotypes, and helps reduce the social barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.