As part of our new awareness campaign, we met Wendy Nicol, Manager of the Inclusion Department for job seekers discriminated against in hiring and Ad Interim Director of the Specialized Support Department at Actiris, partner of this campaign.
What is employment discrimination?
“Hiring discrimination is when a person is not judged on their skills, but on protected criteria such as origin, age, disability or gender,” explains Wendy Nicol.
A study conducted by researcher Eva Van Belle confirmed this again: People of Moroccan or Turkish origin must send twice as many resumes to get the same attention as another candidate.
The most frequent prejudices
Stereotypes persist. “The prejudices that are most heard are for example: These people are not going to fit into the team, They will often arrive late or they are not motivated enough ”, says Wendy Nicol.
And sometimes, the discrimination is explicit: “A candidate sent us an email received from an employer. The message said: Very good profile... but black and too old.” Rare but revealing remarks.
What are the consequences?
For those affected, the consequences are multiple: loss of self-confidence, discouragement, feeling of exclusion.
But society as a whole is also paying the price. “Diversity is an asset for our economy. Less discrimination means more innovation, more creativity and therefore a stronger economy,” insists Wendy Nicol.
The role of employers: recruiting based on skills
The fight against discrimination does not depend only on individuals. Businesses have a key role to play.
“If you are an employer, contact Actiris Diversity Department. It can help you set up a diversity plan and give you concrete practices to make your organization more inclusive,” explains Wendy Nicol.
A word for Aminata
Our campaign highlights Aminata, a smiling young woman, with a question: Is she less likely in a job interview?
To her — and to anyone who feels judged by something other than their skills — Wendy Nicol sends this message:
“You have a lot of value and skills. That is what should be highlighted. Never lose hope: there are a lot of people behind you, ready to accompany you and support you.”
If you feel discriminated against, you can contact the Actiris Inclusion Service At 0800 35 089 and www.actiris.be And if you are witness of discrimination, you can also report it — even anonymously.
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