On the International Day against Racism and Discrimination, 21 March, the City of Antwerp is launching the annual campaign ‘Allemaal Antwerpenaar‘ (‘All Antwerpians‘), which calls on people to always respond to discrimination.

Just like last year, the campaign provides tips on how to respond to specific situations and the city is once again organizing bystander training for organizations and associations. Because you can learn to respond. This year, unique bracelets from ‘All Antwerpians’ are also available, designed by various influencers.

Antwerp hands tell you how to respond

Many people who witness discrimination disapprove of discriminatory behavior. They want to stand up for others, but don’t know how or are hesitant. The so-called bystander effect is also often a barrier: people don’t offer help because they think someone else will respond. With this campaign, the City of Antwerp shows that you can respond in four different ways as a bystander: addressing, involving others, diverting attention and staying present. 

With recognisable hand gestures and various example situations, the campaign calls on people to always respond to discrimination. A small response can make a big difference.

The campaign runs until 14 April. All tips and information can be found at www.allemaalantwerpenaar.be. This website also shows you where you can report discrimination or sexually transgressive behaviour. Everyone can also test how they respond to discrimination here. ​

Alderman for Equal Opportunities Lien Van de Kelder (N-VA): “We are – as the title of our administrative agreement states – all Antwerp residents, but we are also all bystanders. More than half of Antwerp residents witnessed a form of discrimination or racism in the past year. This means that we all have the opportunity and responsibility to help. Our campaign ‘Allemaal Antwerpenaar’ once again calls on people to always respond to discrimination or racism. Because only together can we build a city in which equal opportunities are not an ideal, but a reality.” 

Bracelets from Antwerp influencers

To strengthen the feeling that we are one Antwerp community where we stand up for each other, the city of Antwerp is launching unique bracelets for Allemaal Antwerpenaar this year. The city joined forces with four Antwerp influencers: Nour & Fatma, Ilias, Platzak and Tybe Hendrickx. They each created their own design for a bracelet. ​

The bracelets are available at various locations in the city. Stickers from the campaign can also be found there. ​

Free bystander training for associations, schools and companies

As in previous years, the city is working intensively with schools, companies and organisations to help spread the campaign message. For example, 76 schools and 54 companies will receive a toolkit with campaign material and conversation cards to make discrimination a topic of discussion. 104 toolkits were also ordered by youth, cultural and sports associations. A total of 353 toolkits were ordered. The campaign will also be visible in the hospitality industry, nightlife and various locations such as the city hall, Felix Pakhuis and libraries.

Since 2024, the city has been organising free bystander training for associations in collaboration with Avansa. This year, the city is also organising bystander training for schools and companies in collaboration with Upop. From now on, every Antwerp company and school can request a free bystander training from the city.

City takes initiative against discrimination and racism

The City of Antwerp is taking initiatives to help residents feel 100% Antwerp residents, for example by making various buildings and public spaces more accessible and supporting people with disabilities.​ ​ ​

The city is also committed to tackling discrimination in the rental housing and labor market, empowering women with a migration background, and supporting actions to make the LGBTQIA+ community feel at home in Antwerp. ​ ​ ​

More information about the campaign can be found at http://www.allemaalantwerpenaar.be. It is a collaboration between the city of Antwerp and Atlas, Integration and Civic Integration. ​ ​ ​