MEANING

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on certain
characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. It can
manifest in various forms, including but not limited to, unequal access to opportunities, denial of rights,
harassment, violence, or systemic biases embedded in institutions and societal structures

TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination can take various forms, often categorized based on the characteristics or traits upon
which it is based. Here are some common types of discrimination:

Racial Discrimination: This occurs when individuals or groups are treated unfairly or disadvantaged
because of their race or ethnicity. It can involve prejudice, stereotypes, or unequal treatment based on
skin color, nationality, or cultural background.

Gender Discrimination: Gender discrimination refers to unfair treatment or prejudice against individuals
based on their gender or gender identity. This can include discrimination against women, men,
transgender individuals, or non-binary individuals. It may manifest in unequal pay, job opportunities, or
social expectations.

Age Discrimination: Age discrimination occurs when individuals are treated unfairly or disadvantaged
because of their age. This can affect both younger and older individuals, such as in employment,
housing, healthcare, or social interactions.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination: This form of discrimination targets individuals based on their sexual
orientation or perceived sexual orientation. It includes prejudice or bias against people who identify as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other non-heterosexual orientations.

Religious Discrimination: Religious discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly or negatively

because of their religious beliefs or practices. It can include harassment, exclusion, or denial of
opportunities based on someone's religion or lack thereof.
Disability Discrimination: Disability discrimination occurs when individuals with disabilities are treated
unfairly or excluded from opportunities due to their disability. This can include physical disabilities,
mental health conditions, or chronic illnesses.

National Origin Discrimination: This type of discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly or
unfavorably because of their country of origin, ancestry, or ethnicity. It can include prejudice,
stereotypes, or unequal treatment based on someone's nationality or immigration status.

Socioeconomic Discrimination: Socioeconomic discrimination occurs when individuals or groups are

disadvantaged or treated unfairly because of their social or economic status. This can include barriers to
education, employment, housing, or healthcare based on someone's income, wealth, or social class.

EXAMPLES OF DISCRIMINATION

Malala Yousafzai's story embodies resilience against discrimination, notably in her fight for girls'
education amid Taliban oppression. Born in Pakistan in 1997, Malala defied Taliban bans on female
education, advocating for girls' rights under the pseudonym "Gul Makai."

In 2012, Malala survived a Taliban assassination attempt, sustaining a gunshot to her head. Despite the
attack, she persevered, becoming a global advocate for education rights. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
in 2014, Malala continues her activism through the Malala Fund, championing access to quality
education for all girls. Her story inspires millions, highlighting the transformative power of education and
the resilience needed to combat discrimination

The Central Park Five refers to a group of five Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of
assaulting and raping a white female jogger in New York City's Central Park in 1989. The case gained
significant media attention and sparked intense public debate about race, justice, and the criminal justice
system.

The five teenagers—Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, and Korey Wise
—were coerced into giving false confessions after hours of police interrogation, despite lacking any
physical evidence linking them to the crime. They were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging
from 5 to 15 years.

In 2002, the real perpetrator, Matias Reyes, confessed to the crime, and DNA evidence confirmed his
guilt. The convictions of the Central Park Five were vacated, and they were exonerated after serving
between 6 and 13 years in prison.

The case highlighted the issues of racial bias, wrongful convictions, coerced confessions, and the
vulnerability of marginalized communities within the criminal justice system. It also led to reforms in
police interrogation practices and increased awareness of the need for fair treatment and due process
for all individuals, regardless of race or background.