On Wednesday, December 10, organizations, professionals, residents, and partners from various parts of our municipality gathered for a meeting. There, they signed the Anti-Discrimination Agreement Tilburg.
With the agreement, attendees clearly and powerfully show that they stand together for a municipality where everyone is equal and treated fairly. And where there is no place for discrimination.
The municipality organized the meeting on International Human Rights Day at Yonder Stappegoor. Through theater, prejudices and situations where discrimination occurs were painfully portrayed. Attendees discussed these issues together. They also received concrete actions and tips to combat discrimination. Leaders of Tilburg organizations (Interpolis, Club Smederij, Traverse, Dolle Mina, Diamantgroep, and Yonder) shared in short pitches what they do to combat discrimination. At the end of the evening, attendees signed the Anti-Discrimination Agreement Tilburg with hope, courage, and motivation: ‘Break through discrimination: we do it with and for each other’ (see photo).
A Tilburg Where Everyone Is Equal
In the municipality of Tilburg, we are here for each other. We build together a municipality where everyone can be themselves, feels safe, and receives equal opportunities. A place where everyone can participate. We work on this every day, and it is improving. But we are not there yet. Discrimination is prohibited according to Article 1 of the Constitution, but unfortunately still occurs.
Evelien Kostermans (Alderman for Inclusion and Diversity): The signing of the Anti-Discrimination Agreement Tilburg is an important step in combating discrimination in our city and villages. It is great to see the involvement from various parts of Tilburg society. Together we put our shoulders to the wheel.
An Agreement Signed. Now What?
In the coming period, the municipality will speak with even more organizations about what they already do to combat discrimination and what they need to truly make a difference. Then the organizations will start working on interventions and learn from them. This way, we increasingly know what works and what does not. The municipality supports organizations in this. The goal is for the approach to continue growing in our city and villages.
Are you an entrepreneur, professional, or involved in an organization, association, or initiative? Would you like to join and make a difference? Then send an email to inclusie@tilburg.nl. You are very welcome. Because the more parties participate, the greater the change. Break through discrimination: we do it with and for each other.
Anti-Discrimination Agenda
The Anti-Discrimination Agreement is part of the Anti-Discrimination Agenda. The municipality compiled this agenda in 2024 together with 140 stakeholders (such as residents, partners, and organizations). It contains actions to combat discrimination in our city and villages. From 2025, the actions will be carried out in cooperation with various parts of our society: the labor market, housing market, healthcare, hospitality, education, and public life.
More Information
For more information about what you can do yourself (as a bystander) to break through discrimination, visit https://www.tilburg.nl/gemeente/voor-iedereen/voor-elkaar/. Here you can also read more about what discrimination is, the Anti-Discrimination Agenda, and personal stories from Tilburg residents.
