Open Beehive
The empowerment of refugee women is an indicator of the integration process with the host society & a wider approach to social cohesion. The purpose of this project is to provide an empowerment pathway through a comprehensive approach focusing on the range of needs, dynamics, resilience & potential of refugee women. Since 2016, MN has been running a holistic program of empowerment & integration, creating an active, vibrant community with direct involvement of migrant women leaders, through empowerment, education, information, creativity, safety & solidarity.
The program combines 7 strands of activities adapted to the needs & characteristics of the target group.
1.Literacy: specifically designed tools & interactive methodology, operating at 5 different levels: (a.beginners, b.intermediate, c.advanced, d.homework support, e.transition from literacy)
2.Psychosocial support provided through a trauma-informed, culturally aware approach (combining group drama therapy & individual counselling) to treat trauma & PTSD restoring agency & building trust & confidence
3.Info cycles on health,education,employability,rights,etc.
4.Art & Creativity encompasses activities that facilitate expression & contribute to the process of opening up & sharing
5.Media & Advocacy training to gain access to information & articulate their own speech
6. Skills & Capacity Building (computers, first aid, conflict resolution etc) creating access to employability & leadership
7. Self-care & Community Engagement in order to promote well-being & contribute to social cohesion
Activities will be implemented at the welcoming environment of MN’s center with direct access to interpretation, referral services & a broader range of psychosocial support, in parallel with a childcare support program for mothers.
The main aim is to empower migrant & refugee women in order to promote integration, increase access to employment & encourage them to take active roles in the wider community, weaving social cohesion.
