Principles for a safer space
The City of Tampere is committed to the Safer Space Principles. The Safer Space Principles are guidelines on how to be considerate and respectful of everyone in spaces and events.
The Safer Space Principles, as jointly defined, are particularly relevant for minority groups who have experienced discrimination and who fear that they will be treated inappropriately again.
In a safer space, everyone can feel welcome and be themselves, with all their personal qualities, in a more confident way.
Under Finnish law, no one may be discriminated against on the basis of the following grounds:
- gender and gender identity
- sexual orientation
- age
- ethnic background or nationality
- language
- religion or belief
- opinion
- political activity
- trade union activities
- family relations
- state of health
- disability
- social or economic status
Below are the principles for a safer space in the City of Tampere. Learn about them and adapt them to your own needs.
Creating and using the Safer Space Principles
Every event or activity organiser should have their own Safer Space Principles.
There is no single set of safer space guidelines that works everywhere. Everyone can draw up their own principles that best suit their own venue or event. They can always be refined and revised if you notice any missing elements.
It is not difficult to create your own Safer Space Principles. The main thing is that when you make them, you involve everyone who will be affected by them – your staff, customers, members of the association, for example.
Include these in your Safer Space Principles
Everyone can create their own safer space principles. However, the guidelines should include at least the following basics:
- a list of human characteristics mentioned in the Equality and Non-Discrimination Acts that should not be used as grounds for inappropriate treatment – you can add your own characteristics to the Other personal characteristics section that are relevant to your own activities
- the guidelines prohibit inappropriate behaviour and language, such as discrimination or sexual harassment
- the principles state that everyone's right to self-determination must be respected
- name a contact person to whom you can turn if you feel that the safer space principles have been violated
The guidelines should include information on the accessibility of your venues.
Create the principles together
First, get to know the general safer space principles of the City of Tampere. You can use them as a basis for your own principles.
Once you have drafted your own set of safer space principles, organise a questionnaire or discussion event where others can comment on the proposal. Together, think about what should be considered to make everyone feel comfortable, safe and accepted in your premises or in your activities.
If necessary, you can also draw up a Safer Space Principles for special events. For example, your association may wish to have a safer space policy for excursions or Christmas parties in addition to the normal basic safer space policy for your everyday activities.
How to use the Safer Space Principles
Once the principles have been finalised, please share them. Post them on your website, make them a poster on your meeting room wall or a PowerPoint slide to display at each of your meetings. Mention the Safer Space Principles in your event invitations and remind people of them at the beginning of each event.
Anyone can remind others of the Safe Space Principles if something happens that violates them. The comment should be done with discretion, as the intention is not to humiliate anyone.
Decide who will be your contact person for your Safer Space Principles. They can be contacted if the principles have not been implemented or if someone wants to give feedback on them. The contact person will intervene if someone's social safety is being compromised.
