City of Brussels adopts new gender equality plan

Brussels-City council has adopted a new action plan for gender equality titled “Bxl Feminist”, developed by the city's equal opportunity unit for the period 2020-2022.

In order to combat discrimination, the unit aims to deconstruct stereotypes by developing information campaigns and organising awareness and education activities for citizens, partners and staff of the City of Brussels. In addition to awareness campaigns, the plan includes developing gender budgeting by incorporating a gender perspective into the city's funding policies.

Another section of the plan focuses on equality in schools. Many actions and activities such as plays, screenings and exhibitions are to be organised by the city’s education authorities to deconstruct gender stereotypes from an early age. The city also intends to strengthen the representation of women in the public space. It plans to increase the number of squares, parks, urban infrastructure and streets named after illustrious women.

“Equality between women and men is a fundamental right,” said Lydia Mutyebele, of the equal opportunity unit, when presenting the new action plan adopted by the local council. “However, it is not yet guaranteed in the political, economic, social and cultural areas of daily life.”

Additionally, in the context of the International Day to Combat Violence Against Women on 25 November, various city authorities and partners have decided to join together to help women facing violent situations: the CPAS in Brussels, the BAPA BXL reception office for first-time arrivals, and BRAVVO, which fights against social exclusion and feelings of insecurity, will provide extra housing for women fleeing violence.