Being Black in the EU – Experiences of people of African descent
Since EWA’s foundation in 2013, inclusion for all women, from all backgrounds, in the audiovisual sector has been a core value. In 2021, a survey of our members’ experiences in the workplace highlighted a worrying level of racially motivated harassment. So we are saddened, if not 100% surprised, at the findings in this report.
EWA Network believes that change is possible, but we also believe that meaningful change in culture, work and education can only come if legislators, public institutions, NGOs, employers and educators take the challenges seriously, listen to, and work with the people bearing the brunt of discrimination. We urge them to face up to the hard realities that this report has highlighted, and to find meaningful long-term solutions. Change is never easy, but ultimately change benefits us all.
We hope that this report provides a much-needed wake-up call, and becomes the starting point for a better, more equitable Europe. We hope that future, follow-up reports show evidence of tangible, measurable progress. EWA aims to foster a more inclusive audiovisual sector, where women from minority communities can work, create, and grow their careers without fear of abuse, harassment, disadvantage or discrimination of any kind.
You can download here the full report
FRA's first Being Black in the EU report exposed widespread and entrenched racism against people of African descent in Europe. Now updated with new data, this report revisits the situation revealing persistent racial discrimination, harassment and violence.
Overall, experiences of racial discrimination increased in the EU countries since 2016, reaching as high as 77%. The lack of progress is alarming despite binding anti-discrimination law in the EU since 2000 and significant EU policy developments since then.