Belgium campaign promotes gender equality on the labour market, with focus i.a. on women of foreign origin
The Belgian Minister for Equal Opportunities, Rob Beenders, has launched a campaign aimed at employers, HR professionals and relevant actors to promote gender equality in the workplace. It particularly highlights the challenges faced by women of foreign origin and draws on a recent report showing that they encounter structural difficulties, such as precarious work and under-employment. A podcast complements the campaign by giving a voice to migrant women and illustrating their resilience in the face of these obstacles.
The campaign, led by the Belgian Federal Institute for Equality of Women and Men (IGVM/IEFH), aims to inform and mobilise employers and HR professionals on the benefits of promoting gender equality. While the initiative addresses gender inequalities generally, it highlights how women of foreign origin may face a “double disadvantage” due to both gender and migration-related barriers. These include pay gaps, overrepresentation in part-time or unstable jobs, and difficulties in accessing career opportunities. The campaign stresses that inclusive practices benefit both individuals and organisations.
This campaign is timely in light of findings from a recent study ("Femmes en situation de vulnérabilité sur le marché du travail"/"Vrouwen in kwetsbare situaties op de arbeidsmarkt"), which examines the factors contributing to women’s vulnerability. For women of foreign origin, these challenges are often amplified by additional obstacles such as non-recognition of foreign qualifications, limited access to training, or discrimination in recruitment. Family responsibilities or restricted social networks may also aggravate socio-economic insecurity. The report recommends inclusive work practices, targeted public support, and the involvement of affected women in shaping effective measures.
The campaign is further supported by a series of podcasts that highlight the often invisible challenges women face in the labour market. One episode focuses specifically on women of foreign origin, presenting first-hand testimonies of navigating precarious employment and administrative hurdles while showing resilience and agency. By giving voice to these experiences, the podcast complements both the campaign and the report, illustrating systemic challenges and encouraging employers, policymakers and society to recognise the contributions and potential of women in these situations.
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