The funeral profession is as diverse as life itself. Just as people differ in the way they think, feel, and love, they also differ in the way they wish to be laid to rest. Equally diverse are the people who make these funerals and farewells possible.

Over the past decades, the funeral sector has become increasingly younger and increasingly female. At the same time, the traditional image of the funeral director often still persists: the older gentleman in a black suit with a stern expression. It therefore still comes as a surprise to many that, for example, 57 percent of apprentices in the funeral profession in Germany are now women. In reality, women have long been shaping everyday professional life in funeral services: in consultation, pre-need arrangements, the planning of funeral ceremonies, transfers, and hygienic care.

Today, funeral professionals around the world are young or old, men or women; they may wear an open-collar shirt or a tie, have tattoos or wear a formal suit. What unites them all is their care for the deceased – and their commitment to supporting families and friends with professionalism, expertise, and empathy.

As the world organization of the funeral profession, FIAT-IFTA, together with the BDB as the professional association representing funeral directors in Germany, stands for a diverse and forward-looking funeral sector that is there for everyone. In this spirit, we support one another through our campaigns “A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” (FIAT-IFTA) and “bunt im schwarz” (BDB) and invite colleagues at BEFA FORUM and beyond to join us.

For diversity. For equality. For a modern funeral profession.


FIAT-IFTA
Fédération Internationale des Associations de Thanatologues (FIAT)
International Federation of Thanatologists Associations (IFTA)

BDB
Bundesverband Deutscher Bestatter e. V.
German Federal Association of Funeral Directors