The City of Hafnarfjörður's equality policy aims to ensure that all people can enjoy human rights regardless of origin, nationality, colour, religion, political opinion, sex, gender, age, economic status, origin, disability, health status or other status. The policy is intended to combat all discrimination.

Gender equality

• All residents of the town have equal access to the town's services, regardless of gender.
• Equality education takes place at all school levels.
• The aim is to ensure that the participation and influence of men and women in the town's governance are as equal as possible.
• Gender equality shall be upheld in the town's workplaces; for example, men and women shall enjoy comparable terms and conditions of employment and rights.
• The composition of the town's staff is to reflect the diversity of the Hafnarfjörður community.

Age

• All residents have equal access to the town's services, regardless of age (unless a service is aimed at specific groups, such as children's and youth activities).
• A positive and constructive attitude prevails towards all age groups.
• Ensure that the views and needs of residents of all ages are taken into account.
• People are not discriminated against on the basis of age in workplaces in Hafnarfjörður.
• Children shall be protected from all forms of violence and neglect.

Disability

• Disabled people have equal access to services as others.
• Disabled people should be able to take an active part in the Hafnarfjörður community.
• Disabled people have the right to work for the council in a non-discriminatory environment.
• When applying for a job with the council, a disabled applicant who is equally or more qualified than other applicants is given priority.

Sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

• Everyone should be able to take an active part in the Icelandic community and receive fair and just treatment, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
• Ensure that communication between staff and service users is based on mutual respect, and that staff do not assume everyone is heterosexual and cisgender.

Religion and political views

• Everyone has equal access to the town's services, regardless of their political or religious beliefs.
• The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður shows respect and tolerance for the beliefs and opinions of its residents.
• Hafnarfjörður does not discriminate between its employees in terms of pay for non-objective reasons and treats its staff with respect, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.

Origin and nationality

• Immigrants, applicants for international protection and people of foreign origin have easy access to the town's services and are given opportunities to cultivate their culture.
• Everyone can be active participants in society and receive fair and just treatment regardless of their background.
• Staff of the municipality of foreign origin are to enjoy equality with other staff.

Responsibilities and procedures

Each professional area appoints an equality leader and develops an equality plan for its area with measurable objectives. The Town Council is to have equality matters on its agenda four times a year. Managers and staff of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður are responsible for ensuring that the equality of all is respected within the municipal governance structure, in its workplaces and in its services.

„A revised and updated equality plan for the City of Hafnarfjörður was published and presented to City of Hafnarfjörður staff in the autumn of 2023, as municipal equality plans must be reviewed every four years. Hafnarfjörður is committed to the systematic dissemination of knowledge within the municipality and uses it to improve services, combat prejudice, promote equality in the workplace and educate its residents.“

More here

• Hafnarfjörður's Equality Policy

• Hafnarfjörður's Equality Plan 2023 - 2027