1. What Is Discrimination?
Discrimination means being treated unfairly because of who you are – such as your gender, religion, nationality, ethnicity, or legal status – without a valid reason. In Belgium, this is illegal.
Protected characteristics include:
– Gender (e.g. being a woman, pregnant, LGBTQ+)
– Race, skin color, nationality, or ethnic origin
– Religion and beliefs
– Disability, age, health, or sexual orientation
– Language, marital or political status, social background
2. What to Do If Discrimination Happens
– Notice and record what happened, when, where, and who was involved.
– Save any messages, emails, or evidence. Write down names of witnesses.
– Talk to someone you trust or a legal support group.
– Report it to UNIA or the Institute for Equality (IEFH) online or by phone.
3. Where to File a Complaint and Get Support
UNIA – Handles most types of discrimination
Website: https://www.unia.be
Step-by-Step Guide to Fighting Discrimination
Phone: 0800 12 800 or +32 (0)2 212 30 00
Institute for the Equality of Women and Men (IEFH) – Focuses on gender-based cases
Website: https://igvm-iefh.belgium.be
Phone: 0800 12 800 (option 1)
4. How to Build a Support Network
– Ask trusted people to act as witnesses.
– Join local women’s groups or migrant support communities.
– Contact NGOs like Solidarity with Others, CAW Brussels, or Ella vzw.
Organize your documents and save proof in one folder.
