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Inclusive Minds – About the Project

„Inclusive Minds: Migrant Women’s Mental Health“ is an initiative supported by the Erasmus+ Programme, aimed at enriching the lives of migrant women aged 40 to 60 across Europe. Through creative tools like board games and by organizing workshops and community events, the initiative seeks to improve mental health and foster connections, building bridges of understanding and inclusion.

Background

Migrant women, particularly those who are middle-aged or older, face significant challenges upon arriving in Europe. These challenges include limited language proficiency, weaker social networks, and heavy childcare and family responsibilities. They often struggle with communication, social integration, and the overwhelming demands of their new environment. Despite often having experienced trauma, their well-being is frequently overlooked, making mental health support essential for their inclusion. Addressing these needs through accessible and informal means is crucial for their successful integration into European society.

Objectives

The project aims to make a real difference in the lives of migrant women by addressing the social, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to their well-being. Through interactive, innovative, and inclusive approaches, the project strives to empower women, promote social inclusion, and foster a sense of belonging within their new communities. This is not just a project but a commitment to improving these women’s lives and positively impacting European society.

🎯 Enhance Well-being: Improving mental health services and support for migrant women.

🤝 Promote Social Inclusion: Facilitating integration and acceptance within new communities.

🗣️ Facilitate Exchanges: Encouraging meaningful dialogues between migrant and local women.

📢 Inform Stakeholders: Raising awareness among service providers and the public about the importance of inclusion and mental health.

Empowering Through Engagement

One of our key activities is the creation of an interactive board game. These interactive tools and activities, such as the board game, are designed to promote learning about personal well-being and coping strategies in a fun and engaging way. The local learning and gaming events are expected to support the target group in re-entering society, exchanging on an intercultural level, and taking care of their mental health. These events bring together migrant and local women for cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Target Group

The project primarily targets migrant women aged 40 to 60 from third countries seeking homes in Europe. While there are no geographical restrictions, there is a particular emphasis on engaging with the Arab community due to established networks. However, women from other regions, such as Iran, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and beyond, are equally welcomed. This demographic, mainly middle-aged and older migrant women, is often challenging to reach, making it difficult for policymakers and service providers to address their needs effectively. These women often face significant barriers, including language and communication challenges, fear and mistrust of service providers, and experiences of discrimination based on age, gender, and migration history.

The project is implemented by Fremde werden Freunde (Austria), Internationella Kvinnoföreningen (Sweden), and Dracon Rules Design Studio (Greece).

Disclaimer:

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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The Consortium behind „Inclusive Minds“

Partnership

The partnership was formed based on the mutual aims of all organizations to foster the participation of vulnerable groups in European society and to promote their positive impact on the majority of society. They follow innovative approaches and methods to achieve these aims and create inventive learning opportunities. The partners share similar goals and a common vision, but their different approaches and activities led to the formation of this partnership.

The three partners have diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds, along with complementary skills in fields such as the inclusion of migrants and refugees, women’s empowerment, intercultural communication, equality, and education through unconventional tools like board game-based learning. By joining forces, each partner brings its expertise and experience, creating benefits for all organizations involved and their respective target groups.

Fremde werden Freunde

Fremde werden Freunde, based in Vienna, Austria, coordinates the project. Its strength lies in its direct access to vulnerable groups and its flexible, innovative, and evidence-based practices. The organization follows an approach of inclusiveness and diversity in all projects, bridging social inclusion, migration and integration policies, mental well-being, and interculturalism in both theory and practice. Additionally, its strength lies in the diversity within the team, which enables direct access to various communities. Team members speak multiple languages spoken by the target groups, and the extensive pool of volunteers, ranging from teachers, coaches, and artists, further enhances capacities and knowledge. With deep roots in community work, Fremde werden Freunde ensures that every strategy and action taken resonates with empathy, aiming to turn the unfamiliar into the familiar, and strangers into friends.

Internationella Kvinnoföreningen

Internationella Kvinnoföreningen, based in Malmö, Sweden, has extensive expertise in promoting the inclusion and empowerment of migrant women and experience in working with individuals from various backgrounds. The organization utilizes a variety of effective tools and projects specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of each group. It has served as a meeting place and platform for equality, democracy, and social inclusion of foreign-born women in the Öresund region since 1970. IKF’s strengths, in addition to its long experience of working with the inclusion of foreign-born women in Swedish society and the diversity and competencies within the team, are its operational breadth and ability to work with individuals with different needs. They employ different tools and projects that are adapted to each target group.

Dracon Rules Design Studio

Dracon Rules Design Studio, based in Karditsa, Greece, brings creativity to the forefront of social change. Specializing in game design, they employ the universal appeal of play to foster understanding and empathy. The games they create are not just for entertainment; they are tools designed to reflect and navigate the complexities faced by migrant women, allowing players to step into their shoes and view the world through a lens of compassion and complexity.

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What are the women’s needs?

What are the women’s needs? Migrant women, particularly those who are middle-aged or older, often face numerous challenges when they arrive in Europe. They experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination rooted in racism, sexism, and other systems of inequality.

“As an immigrant woman, you are faced with a series of difficulties and setbacks, not to mention devaluation in society, and not least in workplaces. It takes a lot of patience and effort to be accepted as an equal.” (Foreign-born woman from Albania, Sweden)

Need assessment

To thoroughly understand the needs of migrant women and enhance their well-being, we conducted an extensive needs assessment in both Sweden and Austria. This process involved conducting a minimum of eight semi-structured interviews in each country. Semi-structured interviews provided the flexibility needed to explore individual experiences and perspectives in depth. The interview guide was developed with a participatory and inclusive approach, including members of the target group. This was aimed at being culturally sensitive and ensuring that no important information was missed.

Within the project, the WHO definition of mental health was used, understanding mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how people think, feel, and act.

What are the women’s needs? – Findings

The perception of mental health among migrant women in Europe often extends beyond the World Health Organization’s standard definition, encompassing broader dimensions such as stress management, cultural adaptation, and overall well-being. For these women, mental health is intricately linked to their ability to integrate into their new environments while maintaining a balanced life.

Stress-Free and Anxiety-Free Life

Migrant women often describe an ideal life as one free from stress and anxiety. They aspire to adapt smoothly to their new surroundings without the constant pressure of cultural adjustment. As an Afghan woman living in Austria shared, “Health and well-being are essential for every human being. People should always try to keep stress away and focus on their well-being.”

Optimal Health and Coping with Adversity

Mental health is seen as a key component of overall health, with many women striving for both physical and psychological well-being. A participant from Iran, now residing in Sweden, emphasized, “Mental health can be considered more important than physical health because if I do not feel good mentally, it affects my physical condition.” Migrant women also value resilience, viewing emotional strength and the ability to handle challenges as essential for successful integration.

Healthy Living and Religious Strength

Many migrant women emphasize the importance of healthy living, which includes eating nutritious foods, exercising, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. These habits are viewed as foundational for a strong mind and body. For some, faith plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health, offering inner strength and a coping mechanism during tough times.

The Role of Inclusion in Mental Health

Inclusion into European society is often seen as essential for good mental health. Many women highlight the importance of mastering the local language and understanding societal norms to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. As one woman from North Macedonia stated, “The feeling of belonging to a community and being accepted is crucial for well-being and self-esteem.”

However, several challenges hinder their successful inclusion and impact their mental health:

Language Barriers: Limited language proficiency is the most significant obstacle, affecting communication, confidence, and social integration. A stateless woman in Austria shared, “I faced some difficulties because of the German language, but after learning German, it became better. Life isn’t easy, though.”
Employment and Economic Stability: Financial insecurity deeply influences stress levels. Migrant women often struggle with having their professional qualifications recognized, leading to frustration and unfulfilled potential.
Cultural Differences and Health Issues: Adapting to new cultural norms, understanding healthcare systems, and dealing with initial health problems compound their difficulties. A woman from Iraq, living in Sweden, described the challenge: “Forming relationships with Swedish people is difficult for someone like me, coming from a society that is completely different from Swedish society.”
Confidence and Societal Acceptance: Language barriers and the fear of discrimination often erode confidence and hinder social integration. A woman from North Macedonia noted, “In order to participate in society, you first need to learn the language at an advanced level, and that takes time and patience.”

Coping Mechanisms and Support Networks

Migrant women employ various coping mechanisms to manage stress, such as engaging in physical activities, practicing relaxation techniques, attending courses, and seeking professional help despite the stigma. Social support networks, including family, friends, and community organizations, play a vital role in providing emotional support and a sense of belonging.

As one Ukrainian woman living in Austria shared, “To have good mental health, you always need to find a circle of people with whom you have a connection.” These networks are crucial in helping migrant women navigate the challenges of integration and maintain their mental health in a new and often challenging environment.

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