Diversity and inclusion in Belgium

Shutterstock.com

Updated by Anne-Lise Mty on 27 October, 2023

The cultural richness and linguistic diversity of Belgium, a country located in the heart of Europe, is something that stands out. This multicultural nation is made up of several communities, with each making its contribution to the Belgian mosaic. However, diversity extends beyond cultural and linguistic differences. Belgium is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms.

Promoting awareness of diversity in Belgium

Many organizations, institutions, and companies in Belgium actively promote diversity and inclusion by putting in place policies and programs to combat discrimination and promote diversity in their workforce.

The Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities (Unia): Unia is an independent government institution responsible for combating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities in Belgium. It offers legal advice, investigates cases of discrimination, and organizes awareness campaigns;
The High Council for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men: this institution advises the Belgian government on gender equality policies and promotes women's rights in Belgium;
Multinational companies: many large multinational companies with subsidiaries in Belgium have policies and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in their workforce. Diverse recruitment programs, diversity awareness training, and diversity working groups could be part of this;
Universities and schools: higher education institutions in Belgium are prioritizing diversity and inclusion. Initiatives are being implemented to create an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and to promote diversity in their academic programmes;
NGOs and associations: many non-governmental organizations in Belgium are committed to promoting diversity, fighting discrimination, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups, such as migrants, refugees, and LGBTQ people;
Media and communication groups: The Belgian media play a key role in raising awareness of diversity and inclusion. They help to promote balanced representation and raise public awareness of discrimination issues;
Trade unions: Trade unions in Belgium are also involved in promoting equal opportunities in the workplace as well as in society.

Religion and beliefs in Belgium

Belgium is a secular country, which means that there is a segregation between church and State. There is a diversity of beliefs and freedom of religion in the country.

A particular aspect of Belgium's religious landscape is the system financing state-recognized cults. Major religions, such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Anglicanism, Islam, and Judaism, receive public funding to cover the costs of staff, religious buildings, and other cultural activities. This is part of the Belgian State's recognition of cults. However, other religions do not benefit from this funding, although their followers have the right to practice their faith freely.

The country is known for its religious tolerance and respect for religious diversity. Anti-discrimination laws also apply in religious matters, prohibiting religious discrimination. The country is home to a large number of churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship that serve different religious communities, reflecting its rich religious diversity.

Integration of migrants in Belgium

The integration of migrants in Belgium is an essential process, given the increasing diversity of the Belgian population due to immigration. The country has put in place various policies and initiatives aimed at facilitating this integration and promoting the active participation of migrants in the social, economic, and cultural life of Belgium.

Belgium offers language courses in the national languages, namely French, Dutch, and German. These courses are designed to help migrants acquire the language skills needed to communicate and integrate more effectively into Belgian society. At the same time, orientation programmes are available to help them acclimatize to Belgian culture, understand the education and healthcare system, and learn about their rights and duties as residents.

Migrants are actively encouraged to participate in vocational training programmes and employment initiatives aimed at helping them find jobs that match their skills. Employers are also encouraged to promote diversity in their workforce, thereby contributing to inclusion in the workplace.

LGBTQ communities in Belgium

The country has made progress in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ people and fighting gender discrimination. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003, and Belgium has anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ people.

Several associations represent the LGBTQ community. These organizations play a crucial role in promoting the rights, equality, and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

Here are some of the major LGBTQ associations in Belgium:

Arc-en-Ciel Wallonie operates in Wallonia and Brussels and aims to promote equality and rights for LGBTQ people. It provides support and information services as well as events to raise public awareness of LGBTQ issues;
Çavaria, located in Flanders, is an organization that fights for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ people in the Flemish region. It organizes events, provides information, and promotes awareness campaigns;
RainbowHouse Brussels is an LGBTQ center in Brussels that provides support, counseling, and education services. It also hosts several local LGBTQ organizations and organizes cultural and awareness events;
Genres Pluriels is a Brussels-based association that focuses on issues related to gender diversity and the rights of transgender and non-binary people. It provides support services and raises public awareness of these issues;
Ex Æquo is an association working specifically on sexual health issues for young LGBTQ people in Belgium. It provides information, resources, and support services for young people;
Mister Gay Belgium organizes an annual beauty contest that highlights Belgian gay candidates and aims to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues;
Rainbow Cops Belgium brings together LGBTQ police and law enforcement officers in Belgium and works for inclusion and equality in law enforcement.

Gender equality in Belgium

Belgium is firmly committed to promoting gender equality and fighting against gender inequalities. The country aims at creating a society through a set of laws, policies, and programs where everyone, regardless of gender, can participate fully in all aspects of life.

The Equal Opportunities Act provides the legal basis for this commitment. It prevents gender discrimination and promotes equal opportunities in various fields, from employment to education, housing, and public services. The Act also guarantees gender equality in advisory and decision-making bodies.

The Belgian government has developed a National Action Plan for Gender Equality, which identifies specific priorities and concrete measures to address gender inequality. These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, including policy, education, employment and awareness campaigns.

In the field of politics, Belgium has introduced gender quotas to ensure fair representation of women and men in decision-making bodies. This encourages the active participation of women in politics and strengthens their voice in governance processes.

Gender awareness and education are key elements of the Belgian approach. Schools, universities, and public institutions integrate educational programmes to eliminate gender stereotypes and promote inclusion. Public awareness campaigns are also conducted to raise awareness of gender issues.

In the workplace, specific laws and regulations aim to promote gender equality. This includes eliminating wage discrimination, protecting pregnant women, and promoting work–life balance, including access to affordable childcare.

Women entrepreneurs benefit from special support programmes, including funding and advice to help them succeed in the business world.

Fight against discrimination in Belgium

Belgium has enforced strict laws against discrimination, particularly in employment, housing, and public services. Discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics is illegal.

Belgium has enforced laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. These laws apply throughout the employment cycle, from recruitment to promotion and training. Employers are required to comply with these laws and implement measures to prevent and eliminate discrimination. This may include adopting diversity policies, creating reporting procedures for employees who are victims of discrimination, and setting up redress mechanisms for cases of proven discrimination.

Belgium is also committed to eradicating discrimination when it comes to housing. Anti-discrimination housing laws prohibit landlords and real estate agents from refusing to rent or sell accommodation based on criteria such as race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, or sexual orientation. People who believe they have faced discrimination in housing matters have the right to lodge a complaint and take appropriate actions.