Exhibition II - Through Our Eyes: Young Migrant Women’s Experiences in the EU

Throughout my journey as a migrant, the concept of home has continuously evolved. Adapting to new environments, languages, and cultures has been a daunting task. However, marrying my husband marked a significant shift. His community embraced me, offering a sense of belonging and connection. Over time, I forged friendships with fellow migrants, sharing our common experiences and understanding each other’s struggles.

Empathy grew as I realised the importance of recognising and validating the experience of others. Xenophobia, once prevalent, highlighted the pain of feeling alienated. Upholding a humanitarian ethos, I advocate for the rights of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or age.

While it may be challenging for governments to ensure equal living standards, every person deserves access to fundamental necessities such as healthcare, food, shelter, and clothing. Migrants, integral to the labor market, contribute significantly across various sectors, bridging crucial gaps in the workforce. As constituents, we have the power to elect those who will influence policy towards achieving these standards for all.

To facilitate integration and foster a sense of belonging, policymakers must prioritize the security, basic needs, and human rights of migrants. By creating inclusive policies, we pave the way for migrants to feel at ease and truly call their adopted country “HOME.”

On November first, 2002, a baby girl of Afghan origin, Marzieh, was born in Karaj, Iran. Her parents had traveled to Iran before she was born. Due to paperwork problems, Marzieh could not go to a public school in Iran, so she had to go to an Afghan school in Iran. Unfortunately, this school was not an official one, so when she was finally accepted to the Iranian school, she had to start from primary school. When she was 12, she went back to Afghanistan for two years, but later went back to Iran and at the age of 14-15 she discovered her passion for taekwondo.

They returned to Afghanistan in 2020, where she had originally intended to pursue medical sports but none of the universities offered that discipline. Marzieh joined the national taekwondo team the same year after being unable to continue in her chosen field, but the Taliban’s invasion in 2021 prompted her to evacuate to Doha in November and then Paris on December 1st of that same year.

Marzieh is one of the very few lucky refugees who came to France the way we are used to – by plane. Only because she was featured in France by Elle magazine. In France, Marzieh encountered difficulties not just with language and culture but also with shattering the myth around refugees. She works to dispel stereotypes about Afghans by concentrating on her path and goals, which include being ready for the Olympics in Paris.

Leaving home in 2021, Marzieh reassured her tearful mother, expressing a determination to fight and be courageous. Despite the feeling of exile in Paris, she draws strength from her Afghan roots and the struggles of Afghan women. At 21, Marzieh, separated from her family now in Germany, stands as the first Afghan female in France to receive the Medal of Honour. Her story is one of overcoming hardship, a testament to strength forged through pain and loss. Marzieh’s journey is inspiring others to rise above challenges, embrace their identity, and speak up for what they believe in.

Being born a refugee and living between two countries forever, I never realised what home was, and this feeling is what made me who I am.

My project features stories of migrant women who have overcome challenges and actively contributed to their communities. These stories showcase the resilience, courage, and determination of migrant women, inspiring others to take action and exercise their right to vote.

Together, let’s ensure our voices are heard and contribute to building a future that addresses the needs and dreams of everyone in society. Your vote matters. If you vote, you have a say.

Elena

A kind-hearted young woman from Austria with a passion for making a positive impact. In Greece, she leads a project that supports migrants and refugees in obtaining English teaching certificates. With her gentle spirit and dedication, Elena creates pathways for these individuals to find stability and hope through language education. Her story is one of empathy, empowerment, and the beauty of lending a helping hand.

• We Need Books website
• We Need Books on instagram

Nataliya

Meet a dynamic Ukrainian activist and writer based in Athens, Greece. Dedicated to fostering community connections and well-being, she organizes a range of psycho-social activities for the Ukrainian community. From engaging in book club discussions to inspiring creative writing sessions, and refreshing walks around Athens, she creates spaces for shared experiences and meaningful interactions, enriching the lives of those around her.

• Nataliya on instagram
• Bibliotherapia on instagram

Arriving in Hungary as a migrant, without a network or the means to communicate, I was at the mercy of fate. My family and I left everything behind to start anew, witnessing the struggles and sense of helplessness that plague so many families like ours.

These experiences change you, making you wish to forget and move on. Yet, the issue of refugees and their rights is omnipresent - in the news, politics, and schools, often depicted negatively. However, realizing the privilege and power I hold, having navigated through these struggles, I knew I had to act.

The photo series I present captures the journey of a migrant girl overcoming obstacles to assist others like her. It’s a testament to our duty as migrants to speak out and take action for our peers. Documenting my daily life, intertwined with my work and passion for human rights, these images reflect the motivation that drives me - the faces, places, and children, our future, make the fight worthwhile.

This project came to my attention through a former teacher, reconnecting after years and highlighting the transition from seeking to providing help. This realization was a call to action, inspiring me to participate and, hopefully, inspire other migrant girls by demonstrating that success is achievable, regardless of obstacles.

Upon arriving in Hungary, unaware of its existence or language, I was initially silent. Yet, I chose to no longer be a bystander in my life, gradually using what words I knew to assert myself. My journey was supported by many who believed in me and also challenged by those who doubted me. This dichotomy only strengthened my resolve and clarity about my aspirations.

There’s a saying about people judging according to their limitations. It’s crucial to remember that their disbelief in your abilities reflects their insecurities, not your potential. Against many odds, I pursued education and opportunities out of curiosity and defiance of societal expectations, proving that limitations others set for me did not define my capabilities. Throughout, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by kindness and support, which I strive to pay forward, especially amid discussions on new EU migration policies. It’s imperative we use our voices for those still struggling to be heard.

In a world where trust in government is diminished, and human rights are under threat, our collective responsibility as migrants is to amplify our voices and take meaningful action. This narrative isn’t just mine; it’s a call to action for all who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, with the power to effect change.

What lies within the heart of a migrant woman, far from her homeland and separated from three of her children? She smiles, tenderly caring for those who remain near, concealing her tears and despair. Despite enduring pain and facing numerous obstacles, she perseveres, embracing life with unwavering optimism.

Irene was born in Cameroon, where she worked in logistics and transport. Faced with Cameroon’s challenging economic conditions, she ventured to Spain, seeking a brighter future for herself and her children. Four of her children accompany her, while the others have stayed back in Cameroon, unseen by her for four years. She harbors the hope of reuniting her entire family someday. Her journey has been fraught with challenges; securing employment or housing in a foreign land is daunting, especially as a woman, of African descent, and a migrant.

Like everyone else, Irene is entitled to a life of dignity, where her children can stay by her side, receive education, and grow in a serene environment.

Even though migration in the EU is often presented as a crisis/problem, figures have shown that current perception is far from reality. By the end of September 2023, 114 million people were displaced from their homes globally due to climate change, economic hardship and war. However, most of these people remain in their own region. Currently 76% of the world’s refugees are hosted in low and middle-income countries and just a small fraction seeks to reach protection in Europe. Nonetheless, EU countries have consistently failed to uphold and protect their human rights, as researchers and NGOs have consistently shown evidence of injustices and inhumane treatments in EU countries' asylum systems.

For this project I worked with a woman who is seeking international protection in Ireland and lives in the Irish direct provision system with her family in one room. She was forced to migrate to Ireland as she fled from her country to seek safety and protection in Ireland. She carries traumas from her past but continues to get scarred and re-traumatised in an unfavorable institutionalized environment, where she is constantly in a survival mode with very little support. When I asked her to describe her experience in the direct provision, she said:

Honestly, I am shattered! My mental health is draining.

My child is suffering and as a mother it is so painful (breaks down).

My child has behavioral issues that build up based on the place we are living, always locked up in the room. I’m worried about my child.

I have to deal with all this, laundry, work, and college. I have no family support, no friend support.

It’s so sad to see every day your child not developing because of these things. I’m just overwhelmed.

Direct Provision is Ireland’s system of accommodating those seeking international protection while in the asylum process, managed by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) an administrative division of the Department of Justice. Direct Provision was initially conceived as a short-term solution to accommodate people seeking asylum by providing them with food, board and basic necessities for no longer than six months. However, due to significant delays in the asylum process, most people spend an average of three years in Direct Provision and in some cases more than seven years.

The problems of the direct provision system in Ireland are well documented by researchers and NGOs. The time spent waiting, the indefinite nature of that wait, the overcrowding, the lack of privacy, the inability to cook or live a normal family life, the limited access to education/opportunities, the delay in accessing the right to employment the isolation, the difficulty accessing services – all combine to make Direct Provision a very difficult, and in many cases, very painful experience.

This is in line with the story of my Heroine for this project, who faces many challenges (including health issues) relating to her past trauma, which is compounded by her experiences of direct provision. She is also a mother to a school aged child with special needs. She describes her situation as extremely difficult and frustrating. She lives in liminality, a state of constant fear in an unsuitable and malicious environment. Yet, when I asked her if she was able to take part in this project with me, she said: “I think I want to be a voice because as an asylum seeker I faced so many challenges”.

My project highlights the difficulties migrant women and mothers must endure in the Irish direct provision system. The struggles women face in the system drain up their time, energy and will, that it becomes too much to live. Things that other mothers and children take for granted become luxuries to mothers and children living in direct provision. Eating and cooking become extremely painful, privacy, playtime and engaging in hobbies become luxuries.

So, I call on policymakers, immigrants and everyone who holds political rights, to take action to end the inhumane asylum system in Ireland and the EU generally. Put a stop to racist and discriminatory migration policies which are likely to expose women to gender-based violence, torture and death.

Sanaz Javadi Farahzadi’s journey in Switzerland illuminates the tenacity required for migrants to integrate into a new culture. Despite her extensive expertise in international trade and law, Sanaz encounters the complexities of a job market rife with discrimination. Her relentless advocacy for a united network of women echoes the sentiments of many who seek to instigate positive change, demonstrating the urgent need for policies that facilitate fair employment opportunities and combat systemic biases.

Echoing Sanaz’s experiences, Sozdar Ahmed in Sweden shares the poignant realities of integrating into a society that, while welcoming, often overlooks the unique challenges faced by migrants. Balancing work, studies, and family, Sozdar confronts daily the obstacles of language barriers and cultural differences. The discriminatory practices she endures, particularly in the job market, are a stark reminder that merit does not always take precedence. Her engagement in politics and activism—voting, demonstrating, fundraising—underscores her commitment to a Europe that upholds gender equality and offers equal opportunities for all women.