Today, inclusiveness and equality for all in municipalities is indispensable.
Unfortunately, there are still forms of discrimination in practice. When not addressed immediately, these issues grow and become more difficult to resolve. Women, people with special needs, people living in poverty, youth, the elderly, newcomers, LGBTQ communities face barriers to access to health, employment and housing. At the same time, people living in rural areas have low access to services. This inequality costs us financially but also in our development as a society.
What should be done?
Be aware of the diversity around you
Knowing diversity helps us understand how many factors affect the way the municipality provides services, makes its policies and how its staff and residents interact.
Inquire on allegations of non-inclusiveness
When we wonder about claims that women, young people or the elderly are not being involved in municipal decision-making - we are opening new ways of understanding. Therefore consider various reports of underrepresentation of women, people with special needs, people living in poverty, young people, the elderly, newcomers, LGBTQ communities.
Ask about inclusiveness
Within the work of the municipality we ensure equality and inclusiveness through three questions
1. Who is not involved in my work?
2. What could have contributed to this under-representation?
3. What could you do differently to ensure inclusiveness?
Apply the principle of inclusiveness in your work
Search for practical examples of how other municipalities have increased inclusiveness.