Racism and ageism in the workplace have once again come under scrutiny in Belgium after a shocking internal email was accidentally forwarded to a job applicant. Natali Tshepupu, a 36-year-old accountant hopeful, received a message meant for her prospective employer’s CEO that described her as “not bad, but old and black.” This incident highlights ongoing challenges with discrimination in Belgian companies.
- Premium mail reveals racism and ageism
- Natali Tshepupu applied as company bookkeeper
- Internal email described her as "old and black"
- Personnel staff sent mail to CEO
- Court rules discrimination is twofold
- Company faces legal consequences for bias
The case, which made headlines on 2025-07-29 20:04:00, has sparked a legal response as the court ruled this was clear evidence of double discrimination. How often do such biases go unnoticed in recruitment processes? And what can Belgian businesses do to prevent similar incidents?
Understanding this case is crucial for both job seekers and employers aiming to promote fairness and inclusivity in Belgium’s labour market. Here is the fast answer to the situation.
What does this mean for employers and applicants? This case raises important questions about workplace culture and hiring practices. It shows that:
- Discriminatory attitudes can persist even in formal recruitment settings.
- Double discrimination—based on both race and age—is a complex issue requiring targeted policies.
- Transparency and accountability are essential to prevent such biases from influencing hiring decisions.
- Legal frameworks in Belgium are actively addressing these challenges to protect job seekers.
Moving forward, Belgian employers should review their recruitment processes and training to ensure equality. Job seekers are encouraged to be aware of their rights and report any discrimination. Can Belgium’s workplace culture evolve fast enough to eliminate these biases? Only committed action will tell.
