Having worked with migrants and professionals for years, our team became well-acquainted with the various social and psychological challenges faced by migrants, particularly migrant women, in their home countries. Our experiences led us to recognize the importance of addressing these issues through an Erasmus+ project. Thanks to the support of our Italian coordinator, SMP, our idea evolved from a mere concept into a selected Erasmus+ project.
Before the project began, we anticipated some of the challenges migrant women face and believed that creating a space for them to express themselves through art would be beneficial. However, as the project unfolded, we witnessed firsthand the profound loneliness many migrant women experience, their tendency to hide their unhappiness from their partners, and the significant obstacles they encounter in finding employment. It was a pivotal moment for everyone to realize that nearly all of them shared similar struggles and that it was not “strange” to feel bad about it.
The workshops within the ArtEMI project were well-received, with participants expressing a strong desire for more opportunities to connect with fellow migrant women who understood their struggles. As Mexpert, we organized a total of 15 activities and workshops on a weekly basis to address these issues and promote their well-being.
Workshops such as River of Life, Handy Crafts, Paint & Sip, and Mindfulness Week garnered the most interest from migrant women. The River of Life workshop, in particular, was a day of sharing, with participants often recounting sad stories, which led to powerful moments of support and healing. ArtEMI underscored the importance of providing a platform for migrant women to connect, listen, and offer support, while emphasizing the value of simple gestures like a hug.
The success of our workshops and the relationships built with participants throughout the ArtEMI project have left us with cherished memories. We are grateful for the strengthened bonds and lasting friendships that have extended beyond the project’s conclusion. We hope that all migrant women worldwide can experience the transformative power of a project like ArtEMI.