Vaud Lab Redefines Paralysis Rehabilitation
- Like other cities, Lausanne is launching its 19th Week of Action Against Racism (SACR).
- Throughout this week, employees, employers, associations, unions, job seekers, and the general public are invited to reflect on solutions to act against racist acts and speech in the...
- The focus is on addressing racism and promoting equality in professional settings.
Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism Targets Workplace Discrimination
Table of Contents
- Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism Targets Workplace Discrimination
- Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism: Your Questions Answered
- What is the Week of Action Against Racism (SACR) in Lausanne?
- Why is the Week of Action Against Racism focused on workplace discrimination?
- What kind of activities take place during Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism?
- What are some examples of workplace discrimination addressed during the Week of Action?
- What resources are available in Lausanne for victims of racism?
- How does Lausanne’s experience with racism compare to the rest of Switzerland?
- What are some of the legal protections against workplace discrimination in Switzerland?
- What other areas, besides the workplace, are impacted by discrimination in Lausanne?
- Key initiatives of Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism
Like other cities, Lausanne is launching its 19th Week of Action Against Racism (SACR). starting Monday and running until March 23, the City and its partners will offer round tables, exhibitions, performances, and workshops on the theme of discrimination and inequalities in the professional world.
Throughout this week, employees, employers, associations, unions, job seekers, and the general public are invited to reflect on solutions to act against racist acts and speech in the workplace. According to a statement from Bashkim Iseni,delegate for integration of the City of Lausanne,”We have chosen strong slogans that speak to everyone.”
The focus is on addressing racism and promoting equality in professional settings. The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive surroundings for all workers.
Iseni notes,”Such as,studies have shown that the CVs of people of foreign origin are less likely to be selected. Having an accent also carries prejudices, such as being less competent or less creative. Obviously, these discriminations have no basis and we must deconstruct them together.”
For the launch evening on March 17, the City, in collaboration with the Chambre vaudoise du commerce et de l’industrie, the Syndicom and Unia unions, is organizing a conference on the theme “Workplace Discrimination and Racism, what solutions?”.Workshops will follow the conference.
Year-Round efforts to Combat Racism
The Week of Action Against Racism is one of the initiatives implemented by the City and its Bureau lausannois pour les immigrés (BLI) to combat racism in Lausanne. Throughout the year, the BLI offers racism prevention training for public authorities, institutions, and associations.
The bureau also runs a permanent office, Info-racisme, which welcomes anyone who is a victim or witness of racist acts on Lausanne territory. It assisted about fifty people in 2024.
The City states in its press release that the world of work, including the place and conditions of work, and discrimination in hiring are among the most frequently reported areas of concern. These are followed by school, housing, neighborhood problems, and transportation and public spaces.
Xenophobia and anti-Black racism are at the top of the list, but the discrimination reported also relates to religion or nationality. The City specifies that these findings and the types of incidents reported in Lausanne are consistent with the Swiss average.
Key Takeaways:
- Lausanne’s 19th Week of Action Against Racism runs until March 23.
- The initiative focuses on addressing workplace discrimination.
- Info-racisme assisted about fifty people in 2024.
Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism: Your Questions Answered
What is the Week of Action Against Racism (SACR) in Lausanne?
The Week of Action Against Racism (Semaine d’actions contre le racisme – SACR) is an annual event in Lausanne, Switzerland, aimed at raising awareness about racism and promoting equality, particularly in the workplace. In 2025, the 19th edition of SACR takes place from march 17th to March 23rd. The city of Lausanne and it’s partners organize various events, including round tables, exhibitions, performances, and workshops, all focused on addressing discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
Why is the Week of Action Against Racism focused on workplace discrimination?
The focus on workplace discrimination stems from the recognition that the professional habitat is a significant area where racism and inequality persist. Studies have indicated that individuals of foreign origin frequently enough face disadvantages in hiring processes and may encounter prejudice based on their accent or perceived competence.The Week of Action aims to challenge these biases and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all. The City of Lausanne has identified the workplace, including hiring practices, as one of the most frequently reported areas of concern regarding discrimination.
What kind of activities take place during Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism?
During the week of Action Against Racism,a variety of activities are offered to engage different audiences:
Conferences: These events bring together experts,employers,and employees to discuss the challenges of workplace discrimination and explore potential solutions.
Workshops: interactive sessions provide practical tools and strategies for addressing racism and promoting inclusivity in the workplace.
Round Tables: These discussions offer a platform for open dialogue among employees, employers, and community members.
Exhibitions and Performances: These cultural events use art and creative expression to raise awareness about racism and its impact.
What are some examples of workplace discrimination addressed during the Week of Action?
The Week of Action addresses various forms of workplace discrimination, including:
Hiring bias: Addressing the issue where CVs of people of foreign origin are less likely to be selected.
Accent-based prejudice: Debunking prejudices related to accents, such as assumptions of lower competence or creativity.
Xenophobia and Anti-Black racism: Tackling specific forms of racism reported as prevalent in Lausanne.
Discrimination based on religion or nationality: Addressing biases related to religious beliefs or national origin.
What resources are available in Lausanne for victims of racism?
Lausanne offers several resources for individuals who have experienced or witnessed racist acts:
Info-racisme: This permanent office run by the Bureau lausannois pour les immigrés (BLI) provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses of racism in Lausanne. In 2024,Info-racisme assisted about fifty people.
Bureau lausannois pour les immigrés (BLI): The BLI implements various initiatives throughout the year to combat racism, including prevention training for public authorities, institutions, and associations.
How does Lausanne’s experience with racism compare to the rest of Switzerland?
the City of Lausanne states that the types of incidents reported in Lausanne are consistent with the Swiss average. This indicates that the challenges of racism and discrimination are not unique to Lausanne but are a broader issue across Switzerland.
What are some of the legal protections against workplace discrimination in Switzerland?
While the provided article doesn’t detail specific legal protections, additional research reveals that Switzerland has anti-discrimination laws in place. The Swiss Gender Equality act provides remedies for gender discrimination and sexual harassment, including reinstatement and compensation of up to six months’ salary.Article 8 of the federal Constitution guarantees equality before the law, and prohibits discrimination based on origin, race, gender, age, language, social position, lifestyle, religious, philosophical or political convictions, or disability.
What other areas, besides the workplace, are impacted by discrimination in Lausanne?
Besides the workplace, the City of Lausanne has identified other areas where discrimination is frequently reported:
school
Housing
Neighborhood problems
Transportation and public spaces
Key initiatives of Lausanne’s Week of Action Against Racism
| Initiative | Description |
| ———————— | —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Week of Action (SACR) | an annual week-long event featuring round tables, exhibitions, performances, and workshops aimed at raising awareness about racism and promoting equality in the workplace. |
| conference/Workshops | events organized around specific themes such as “Workplace Discrimination and Racism: What Solutions?”, involve participants from the City of Commerce and Industry, Syndicom and Unia unions. |
| info-racisme | A permanent office operating year-round, offering support to victims and witnesses of racist acts on Lausanne territory. The office offers assistance and guidance to those who have experienced discrimination. |
| Racism Prevention Training | Initiatives offered by the BLI to public authorities, institutions, and associations intended to educate on preventing and addressing racism |