Purmerend library offers safe space to discuss discrimination and seek support
Residents of Purmerend facing discrimination can now seek confidential advice and support at the local library. The initiative, launched ahead of the International Day Against Racism, provides a safe and accessible environment for sharing experiences and receiving guidance.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Library, Waterlandlaan 40, Purmerend (second floor) |
| Days | Every Tuesday and Thursday |
| Organisation | Discriminatie.nl Zaanstreek-Waterland |
| Support Offered | Confidential advice, assistance in reporting discrimination |
| Grounds Covered | Gender, skin colour, religion, origin, sexual orientation, age, disability |
| Councillor Responsible | Chris Boer (Inclusion) |
| International Context | Aligns with UN International Day Against Racism and Discrimination (21 March) |
The municipality of Purmerend, in collaboration with Discriminatie.nl Zaanstreek-Waterland, plays a proactive role in addressing discrimination by providing accessible support to residents. This initiative reflects the local government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community and combating unequal treatment through direct engagement and resources.
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Consultation hour on discrimination at the library: a place to share your story
Residents of Purmerend can visit the Discrimination Consultation Hour at the library. Every Tuesday and Thursday, there is an open consultation hour for support or confidential advice on discrimination and unequal treatment.
On 21 March, it is the International Day Against Racism and Discrimination. This day originated in 1960, when a peaceful protest against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa, was violently suppressed. Since then, the United Nations has designated this day to raise global awareness of the fight against racism and discrimination.
This issue remains relevant today. Discrimination can deeply affect people and lead to feelings of insecurity or exclusion. For this reason, the municipality of Purmerend believes it is important that residents have a place where they can share their story and receive support if needed.
Discrimination Consultation Hour at the library
Residents of Purmerend can visit the Discrimination Consultation Hour at the library. Every Tuesday and Thursday, there is an open consultation hour for support or confidential advice on discrimination and unequal treatment. The discrimination desk is located on the second floor of the library. The consultation hour is provided by Discriminatie.nl Zaanstreek-Waterland. This organisation works to prevent, identify and combat discrimination based on gender, skin colour, religion, origin, sexual orientation, age or disability or chronic illness. Residents can turn to them for support, advice and assistance in reporting discrimination.
No place for discrimination
Councillor Chris Boer, responsible for inclusion, emphasises the importance of a place where residents can turn: 'Discrimination has no place anywhere, not even in Purmerend. Unfortunately, we know it still happens. That is why it is so important that people can share their story and receive support. The consultation hour at the library offers a safe and easily accessible place where residents can get advice and help. Do you experience discrimination or are you unsure whether something is discriminatory? Don’t keep it to yourself – visit the library.’
The library was deliberately chosen as the location for the consultation hour. It is an accessible and quiet environment where residents can easily walk in and share their story in confidence. The Discrimination Desk is located on the second floor of the library at Waterlandlaan 40.