Joint statement: Addressing racism requires commitment from the entire workplace community
The training program organized by THL to strengthen anti-racist practices in the workplace has concluded. The accelerator training brought together 28 organizations from various sectors across Finland to explore proactive measures for preventing racism and eliminating its impacts in their own workplaces. THL and the participating organizations remain committed to promoting anti-racist approaches within their organizations and in working life more broadly.
Anti-racism refers to active and conscious efforts to oppose all forms of racism. It aims to reduce discrimination based on skin color, ethnicity, and origin, as well as the effects of discriminatory practices and negative stereotypes. The year-long, free-of-charge training provided participants with tools to advance anti-racist work in their everyday practices and organizational culture.
“The accelerator process has deepened our understanding of anti-racist themes and provided tools to promote equity in our organization. At the Tax Administration, many aspects—such as equality and non-discrimination planning—are already well established. However, through the training, we have gained additional knowledge and support, for example, in developing our staff’s anti-racist work practices and enhancing diversity in recruitment,” say Maija Silpola and Outi Kaven, representatives of the Tax Administration.
In the City of Riihimäki, the increasing diversity of clients and workplace communities calls for new kinds of understanding and skills.
“Participating in the anti-racism accelerator has brought valuable perspectives and concrete tools for working with multicultural clients and operating in diverse work communities. The process has also helped us identify the kinds of competencies needed in our organization to advance anti-racist work. Sharing experiences and learning alongside other participating organizations has been especially meaningful,” say Minna Jussila, Minttu Särssi and Marisa Tanner from the City of Riihimäki.
"Work against racism is important for the development of Finnish society as well. This work requires strategic leadership and genuine commitment from management, so that there is room for promoting an antiracist approach within the shared structures of the organization," says Mika Salminen, the Director General of THL.
Organizations committed to concrete actions against racism
The organizations involved in the accelerator training recognize that discrimination and racism, which contribute to inequality, are widespread in our society. Addressing racism and dismantling discriminatory structures requires broad societal commitment. The organizations engaged in this learning process are determined to contribute to social cohesion and oppose racism through concrete actions.
We aim to bring active anti-racist measures into our own organizations and hope others will do the same. These actions may include:
- Assessing the realization of equity within the organization
- Updating equality and non-discrimination plans and strategies from an anti-racist perspective
- Integrating anti-racism into onboarding and internal training
- Developing recruitment practices to be more equitable
- Implementing inclusive leadership practices for diverse teams
- Updating action plans related to hate speech or harassment
- Advancing accessible and anti-racist communication
Racism and discrimination have no place in a well-functioning society. We believe there is a broad need for anti-racist work across all sectors. Anti-racist work does not require special skills or complex processes—everyone has the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to building an equal community and world. We’ve already started. Join us!
Participating organizations
Amnesty International Finland; Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences; City of Helsinki, Kannelmäki Comprehensive School; City of Helsinki, Aftercare Services in Child Protection; Helsinki Region Transport (HSL); University of Helsinki; University of Eastern Finland; Karelia University of Applied Sciences; Hanken School of Economics; Finn Church Aid; Culture for All Service / Association for Equality in Culture; Kuopio Settlement Puijola; Laurea University of Applied Sciences; Mehiläinen Ltd; City of Oulu; Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia; City of Riihimäki; City of Seinäjoki; Sexpo Foundation; Finnish Musicians’ Union; Finnish Red Cross; Swedish People's Party of Finland; Arts Promotion Centre Finland; Turku University of Applied Sciences; City of Vantaa; Tax Administration; Municipality of Vihti
The training was carried out by the THL project “Anti-racism capacity building: accelerating and mainstreaming”. The project is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) of the European Union.
The project will also host a seminar focusing on anti-racist work practices and their future potential on Wednesday, November 5th, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Remote participants can still register during Tuesday.
More information and programme (in Finnish)
More information:
Mona Eid
Project Manager
THL
Tel. +358 29 524 8707
[email protected]
Project page: Anti-racism capacity building: accelerating and mainstreaming
