Considering and respecting others creates safety

The principles of a safer space serve as a tool that the city used to implement its equality and non-discrimination plan adopted in January 2023.  

- It is important that every resident knows that they are respected and welcome to use the city’s services. It is also an attractiveness factor, says Mikko Ala-Kapee, the City of Tampere’s Equality Coordinator.

The principles are integrated at a structural level and adapted to the city’s services. For example, you can see the Nysse etiquette adapted based on the principles on the passenger displays on buses.

-When we encounter new people, for example on a bus, we’re prone to make assumptions about them, partly subconsciously, based on factors such as their age or ethnic background. Assumptions are usually not based on facts. “Don’t assume” is a good rule, Ala-Kapee reminds us.

A city for everyone

Rita Järvinen is a wheelchair user who travels by public transport whenever possible. She has primarily positive experiences of riding the bus.

- People do a great job at taking me into consideration, she says. - Everyone has a bad day sometimes, that’s not something I pay attention to.

Rita Järvinen is grateful that the city pays attention to all types of users when planning future public transport. Among other things, she has been involved in testing electric articulated buses that the city is planning to procure. She is looking forward to the completion of the new tramline that will reach her neighbourhood in Leilahti.

- The tram will make it much easier for me to get around.  Currently, I need a special assistant to use the bus. The possibility of using public transport increases the sense of social belonging; that I’m also part of this city.

-Our goal is that by applying the principles of a safer space, we can build more sensitive services. It only takes small measures to create inclusion and ensure that our city is for everyone. I argue that all this preventive work will also be reflected in future costs, says Ala-Kapee.

Making diversity common

According to a survey commissioned by the City of Tampere, as many as one third of the respondents described having experienced discrimination. The principles of a safer space are one way of dismantling discrimination and the minority stress that may result from it, which may lead people to stop using services important to them.

- The amount of reported discrimination is far too high in Tampere. There is a need for anti-discrimination and anti-racism work, Ala-Kapee explains.

However, the good news is that everyone can contribute to creating a safer space.
- In my opinion, the principles are ancient, based on good behaviour and consideration of others, says Ala-Kapee.

Rita Järvinen feels that everything will be well once diversity has become commonplace.