Equal.brussels

Various studies and reports demonstrate that not all Brussels residents have equal access to housing, equal opportunities to find a good job, and so some population groups continue to be discriminated against based on one or more criteria, such as their gender, social, ethnic, or cultural background, or disability.

A significant portion of the Brussels population is in a situation of insecurity and social exclusion. In our region, more than one in three individuals is at risk of social exclusion. Furthermore, some groups are particularly vulnerable, including women, isolated elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and single-parent families.

Through awareness campaigns on equal opportunities, we aim to make everyone aware that biases, discrimination, insults, or violence based on someone's gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or cultural background, or disability are still prevalent in our society.

When it comes to violence or discrimination, we encourage victims and witnesses to report it or file a complaint (via UNIA or the Institute for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men - see the link).

We, as the equal opportunities service, cannot achieve this alone. All Brussels residents should have equal opportunities in finding a job, a home, and should be able to use public transportation and public spaces. Within each of these policy domains, there should be a focus on equal opportunities for everyone. This can only happen if all policymakers consider the impact of their measures on everyone, including the different equal opportunity groups.

Equal.brussels therefore encourages colleagues and agencies within the Brussels-Capital Region to systematically ensure that no one - consciously or unconsciously - is excluded. Together, we ensure that all Brussels residents have the same opportunities to find work and housing, use public transportation, and access public spaces.

Equal.brussels promotes equal opportunities through a number of actions:

• Awareness campaigns, studies, and reports 
  First and foremost, we strive to ensure that legislation related to equal opportunities and the fight against discrimination is adhered to. To achieve this, we commission studies and reports, carry out campaigns to raise awareness among the Brussels population, and more. 
• Legislative changes We also propose changes to legislation where necessary (related to anti-discrimination legislation and specific laws - referred to as ordinances in the Brussels-Capital Region - to promote equal opportunities). 
• Training and advice for other departments and agencies We provide training and awareness to colleagues and other services shaping Brussels policy. We offer them tips and tools to determine whether their policies genuinely reach the entire population, including those groups that are more likely to be left behind (the various equal opportunity target groups). The goal is to ensure that Brussels policy benefits everyone, which is also known as inclusive policy, a policy that excludes no one. Allocation of subsidies 
• We allocate subsidies to non-profit organizations (vzw's) that want to initiate specific projects to promote equal opportunities. We also provide specific subsidies for making events accessible.