W-Star

                                                                                   

Transforming Participation Event​

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​New Women Connectors' event ‘Transforming Participation: Centering Migrant Women’s Voices in the Netherlands’, took place in the Hague, the Netherlands, on the 4th of June, 2025. 

 

This event was organized as part of the W-STAR project, coordinated by the Mediterranean Institution of Gender Studies (Cyprus), and in partnership with COSPE (Italy), MoveGlobal (Germany), and New Women Connectors (the Netherlands). The project is funded by the European Union, and its objective is to give migrant and refugee women the opportunity to make their voices heard by relevant political authorities and decision-makers across Europe.

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Attendees had the chance to choose from two workshops:

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• Reflecting on mobility justice as an alternative narrative, facilitated by Eleni Diker from Oxfam Novib

• Unpacking the Nexus: Gender, Climate Change, and Migration, facilitated by Anila Noor from New Women Connectors and WO=MEN

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Following the workshop, a roundtable discussion on, "Centering the Voices of Migrant Women: Critical Reflections on Participation", took place. Speakers incuded Oksana Savchuk, project coordinator of the Ukrainian House and co-founder of the VATAHA Foundation,  Devika Partiman, director of Stem op een Vrouw, Rahel Boon-Dejene, from RBD and R&D Group, and Lyla Carillo Quan van der Kaaden from Women of Almere! 

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The event was moderated by Meghan Rens, Erasmus University Rotterdam. 

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This event was free of charge and open for all.​​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FULL EVENT AGENDA

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13.30 - 14.00 - Registration

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14.00- 14.20 - Welcome Remarks and Introduction

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14.20 - 15.20 - Workshop round: 

Workshop #1: Reflecting on mobility justice as an alternative narrative
Facilitated by Eleni Diker, Oxfam Novib

Workshop #2: Unpacking the Nexus: Gender, Climate Change, and Migration
Facilitated by Anila Noor, New Women Connectors and by Eva Lia Colombo, WO=MEN

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15.20 - 15.45 - Coffee break and sharing key takeaways from workshop sessions 

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15.45. - 16.45-  Closing roundtable discussion on “Centering the Voices of Migrant Women: Critical Reflections on Participation” 

 

Speakers:
Oksana Savchuk, Ukrainian House & VATAHA Foundation
Devika Partiman, Stem op een Vrouw 

Rahel Boon-Dejene, RBD, R&D Group

Lyla Carillo Quan van der Kaaden, Women of Almere

Moderator: Meghan Rens, Erasmus University Rotterdam

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16.45 - 17.00 - Closing remarks by New Women Connectors

 

About the Event:

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Stricter immigration policies, the rise and normalization of xenophobic ideologies, as well as the defunding of civil society, particularly organizations working on gender equality - these are intersecting issues that will continue to limit the spaces and opportunities for migrant women to engage in political, democratic, and civic life. Such forces are not accidental, but rather are a part of a broader system designed to exclude and silence migrant women’s voices. 

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Through this event, we aim to challenge this exclusion and firmly centre the voices, experiences and participation of migrant women in the Netherlands. Together, we will confront the structural barriers to participation—both formal and informal—and build collective strategies for change at the local, national and European levels. The events includes a roundtable with migrant women leaders, activists, and experts, workshops exploring resistance, solidarity, meaningful participation, and networking. 

 

About W - STAR:

​(Women Solidarity for Building Trust and Resilience in Democracy throughout the EU)

 

The W-STAR project aims to amplify the voices of migrant and refugee women by providing direct opportunities to engage with political leaders and decision-makers. Historically, women, especially when they have a migration or refugee background, have often been discriminated against in policy and decision-making spaces. They also often face violence, poverty, and social exclusion, partly due to a lack of solidarity and support. This project is designed to change this phenomenon, by ensuring that migrant and refugee women are not just participants—but leaders—in this project’s discussions and activities. Their perspectives will help drive inclusive dialogue on solidarity, grounded in real-life experiences.

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Women from civil society, academia, politics, and local or national administrations will be invited and encouraged to join the events and contribute to the dialogue. The broader goal of W-STAR is to promote the active participation of migrant and refugee women, and their organizations in the democratic and civic life of the European Union. Through public discussions, the project will explore how solidarity can be strengthened across various policy areas and how shared support mechanisms can be developed.​​​​​​

 

In case of questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at info@newwomenconnectors.com.

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Are you interested in this project or have questions about it? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@newwomenconnectors.com.

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W-STAR is a project running from September 2024 to September 2026. It is led by The Mediterannean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) in partnership with New Women Connectors, COSPE and moveGlobal.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however 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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