Brussels, a city for the many, not for the few
Vooruit.brussels stands for equal opportunities for all. We create purchasing power, prosperity, and progress by correcting socio-economic inequalities. At the same time, we fight against all forms of discrimination. Vooruit.brussels defends equal opportunities, and fights discrimination! voor gelijke kansen, en tegen discriminatie!
Not everyone gets off to an equal start, and not everyone has the same resources or opportunities. We make sure everyone has access to our city, and all it has to offer. A city for the many, not for the few. Regardless of age, origin, gender, education level, sexual orientation, etc.
Socio-economic inequalities reflect systematic differences between socio-economic groups, usually to the disadvantage of the less privileged group. The differences are visible in various social domains: housing, work, education, healthcare, public space, etc.
For Vooruit.brussels, inclusion is a guiding principle, and we make that very specific.
For example, we call for:
- A free integration programme and a warm welcome for newcomers. We encourage newcomers to participate in community life, socio-cultural activities and initiatives that focus on dialogue and connection. This enables them to expand their social network.
- Inclusive public spaces. We consider the needs of all Brussels residents, regardless of age, origin, gender, level of education, sexual orientation, etc.
- A more equitable, inclusive, and balanced housing market. We aim for a minimum of 15% social housing at the regional level (currently 8%). At the same time, we are stepping up field tests to combat discrimination in the housing market.
- A targeted, personalised approach in order to tackle youth unemployment. There is a need for a personalised approach that focuses on coaching rather than administration.
- Efficient inclusion of older unemployed persons, by developing an adapted offer for people over fifty. Age is still one of the most discriminating factors in the job market.
- Facilitated recognition or equivalence of foreign qualifications. 43% of all jobseekers registered with Actiris, have obtained degrees abroad. Those degrees are not recognised here.
- Field tests to combat job market discrimination. In 2023, Unia opened 670 files on so-called 'racial' criteria. Nearly a third were related to employment.
- More attention to language skills in the training of Brussels jobseekers. The objective is that every jobseeker in Brussels should be able to follow a course in Dutch and/or French.
- An inclusive employment policy within the administrations. This includes the possibility of wearing religious or philosophical symbols. Neutrality should be seen in what you do, not in what you wear.
- More attention to study choice counselling, to guarantee that every child makes a study choice based on talents and not on origin or means.
- Everyone has the right to adequate and affordable care when needed. We fight for affordable quality care in hospitals and a maximum bill for residential care centres, without discrimination.
- A senior citizens' rights commissioner to watch over the rights of seniors. The corona crisis has shown that seniors are not always in a position to enforce their rights. Moreover, they increasingly face all kinds of discrimination and 'ageism'.
- Accessible and inclusive care for the elderly. One third of elderly people in Brussels have a migration background. Too often, they experience obstacles to using care for the elderly. Moreover, they have an increased risk of poverty.
- More and better research into the obstacles to filing a complaint of violence or discrimination against LGTBQIA+ persons, and an evaluation of the subsequent action taken (the assessment of the facts by the police, the handling of the complaint by the public prosecutor's office).
- Raising awareness among Brussels residents about violence against women and LGTBQIA+ persons and what to do about it. For instance, we continue the awareness campaign Join the fam, a campaign against sexual harassment, sexism and sexual violence in public spaces and nightlife.
- Effectively handling intra-family violence/partner violence. This usually takes place at home. A 2016-2017 study by equal.brussels shows that more than half of Brussels women are victims of partner violence at least once during their lives.
Metropolitan super-diversity is a huge asset, but at the same time it presents us with important social challenges. We believe it is important to give people perspectives. The perspective of one day being able to buy or rent a home or having access to a decent job. We defend equal opportunities for all, as a driving force for socio-economic progress.