The equality objective of the city is Tampere for All

The City of Tampere has a strong will to promote equality. A common goal and commitment help the implementation of the plan. According to Ala-Kapee, the same will is not evident in all municipalities and cities.

‒ I hope that instead of polarization, we will find positive factors that unite everyone, so that equality is perceived as an attitude and an attraction in Tampere. At the same time, we know that there is always more work to do. You can always improve, develop and try. The most important thing is to start, listen to the citizens and work together. 

The city's Equality and Non-discrimination plan contains 53 actions. They aim to be implemented by 2025, when the new planning period starts. For example, the aim is to promote accessibility of urban spaces and environments and to prevent homelessness.

The city wants to lead by example in providing accessible and barrier-free services and events. This is only partially achieved at the moment.

‒ However, we are committed to the plan and are looking forward to creating an ever more conscious urban environment and culture. I hope that this enthusiasm will spread to all city actors, organisations and businesses, says Ala-Kapee.

An inclusive city is a prosperous city

The work of the Equality Coordinator emphasises networking and cooperation with different actors. The best thing about Ala-Kapee's work is working with people.

‒ For example, it is interesting to model the principles of safer spaces for libraries, youth facilities, employment services, Nysse and even for different work groups. By listening to people, you can identify practices that have inadvertently perpetuated structural discrimination, but which are easy to change. Achievable communication and participatory events make the city's equality work known, Ala-Kapee says.

The employees of the City of Tampere also have their own Equality and Non-discrimination plan. Its implementation is monitored by the Human Resources Unit. Models of action include anonymous recruitment and positive discrimination, which is a way of drawing attention to the access to employment of a group of people at risk of discrimination. Reasonable adjustments can be made to ensure that, for example, an employee with a disability can work successfully.

For Ala-Kapee, equality and equal opportunities are core values when choosing a job. They are essential for well-being and job satisfaction. Experiences of being accepted and valued are important for most people at work, in their studies and in their home cities.

‒ The laws set out a minimum set of characteristics, despite which everyone should be treated without fear of discrimination. I do not think it is enough to strive for non-discrimination or to avoid hate speech, or simply to tolerate each other. Instead, we strive for a city that is considerate, respectful of all its citizens, where people want to live. Let everyone be themselves, so that you can be yourself, Ala-Kapee describes.