Principles for a safer and bolder space for the city of Oulu

Principles for a safer and bolder space have been compiled for the city of Oulu which are adopted in early 2025. The Oulu2026 Equal Oulu project organized training and workshops for city personnel in the fall of 2024 in cooperation with the city of Oulu. The workshops led to eight general principles for a safer and bolder space. The principles can be edited to apply to specific activities or events, and they can be further clarified and examined. The main principle is that all people participating in the activity participate in compiling the principles – including both customers and users of the space. Some city of Oulu sectors have already compiled service-specific principles for a safer space and their deployment takes place and has taken place in each unit and branch

The city of Oulu’s principles for a safer and bolder space:

• Everyone has the right to be seen, heard and accepted just as they are 

• We meet each other with respect, without prejudice 

• We respect everyone and everyone’s personal space. We create an atmosphere where it is safe to ask, make mistakes and learn. 

• We express ourselves clearly, understandably and in a friendly way. We greet each other. We listen to each other. We give space to everyone in conversation. 

• We offer and welcome feedback. We apologize. 

• We ensure that facilities and services are safe, accessible and easy to use. 

• We boldly intervene in defects and inappropriate behavior, discrimination and racism. 

• We create safer and bolder spaces together. 

The city of Oulu is aware that in order to deploy the principles for a safer and bolder space, continued training and responsibility is required, for example, harassment contact personnel must be trained. The entire organization commits to deploying the principles. The city wishes to encourage all operators in Oulu to adopt their own, comparable principles.  

Principles for a Safer and Bolder Space | Equality & Non-Discrimination | City of Oulu