For almost 20 years, the Equal Opportunities Service of the City of Brussels has played a central role in promoting an inclusive and just society.
The service actively combats all forms of discrimination and strives for equality between people by working on various themes: gender equality, rights of LGBTQIAP+ persons, rights of persons with disabilities and combating racism. To this end, the service develops awareness-raising campaigns, training and concrete actions for the population, associations and municipal staff.
In cooperation with elected representatives and local associations, the unit coordinates ambitious action plans and supports initiatives promoting diversity and breaking stereotypes.
As an indispensable player in municipal human rights policy, the Equal Opportunities Service contributes to a fairer, more inclusive and respectful city for all.
Themes:
The City of Brussels reaffirms its strong and ongoing commitment to the rights of LGBTQIAP+ persons (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual and other gender identities or sexual orientations).
In line with important legal achievements in Belgium - such as the 2007 anti-discrimination law and the opening of marriage to same-sex couples in 2003 - the City is committed to a more inclusive society that respects all diversity.
Action plan
Through its LGBTQIAP+ Action Plan, the City is taking concrete initiatives to prevent discrimination, raise public awareness and ensure the safety and recognition of those affected. This plan relies on solid partnerships with associational life and with actors such as the local police and External siteUNIA - Centre for Equal Opportunities.
Brussels Pride
The External siteBrussels Pride and its Pride Week activities are supported each year by the City, which promotes the visibility and rights of LGBTQIAP+ communities.
Disability and inclusion
Through its 'Handicap, Inclusion and Accessibility Action Plan', the City of Brussels is taking concrete action to remove the physical, social and cultural barriers that hinder the full participation of the people concerned.
Handicontact and Disability Week
The City also offers services such as Handicontact, which provides information to people with disabilities, as well as initiatives such as the Disability Week, which promotes awareness through educational and cultural activities.
Through this approach, the City of Brussels is committed to building an accessible society, where everyone can live independently and with dignity.
The City of Brussels reaffirms its commitment to gender equality, a fundamental right for all.
* Women means any person who identifies as such (also for men*)
Action plan
To establish that commitment, the City has drawn up an Action Plan for Women-Men Equality, covering the period 2023-2024.
The plan aims to integrate gender into all the City's policies, using tools such as 'gender budgeting'. The plan is structured around several priority axes, including:
- combating gender-based violence
- promoting equality in the workplace
- raising public awareness and citizen participation, in particular through the Women's Rights Week
Women's Rights Week
The Women's Rights Week aims to inform the population about the various forms of violence against women, raise awareness and, with the help of associations and professionals in the field, encourage them to think about local actions to change this situation.
City staff
Within its administration, the City of Brussels is also taking concrete measures to ensure equal opportunities for women and men:
- appointment of a confidential counsellor for complaints of sexual harassment
- detection and adaptation of discriminatory practices
- review of promotion systems
- balanced composition of juries
With its 183 nationalities, the cosmopolitan city of Brussels is pre-eminently an advocate of cultural diversity as a collective wealth and lever for a more just, inclusive and inclusive society. The City is actively committed to guaranteeing equal access to rights, public services and social life to all its inhabitants, regardless of their origin.
Action plan against racism and antisemitism
Through its Action plan against racism and antisemitism, the City develops concrete actions to raise awareness and educate against stereotypes, discrimination and identity hardening. In doing so, it draws on key events such as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination or International Roma Day, which focus on artistic and civic participation.
The City of Brussels grants annual subsidies to non-profit associations (asbl-vzw) active in the field of equal opportunities. Four calls for projects are launched each year.
Each call for projects is framed by rules and an application form. These documents are available during the opening period of the call for projects.
Want to subscribe to the newsletter? Then send a message to: egalitedeschances@brucity.be
