Migrant Women Press (MWP) is launching a powerful new initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the specific and often overlooked challenges faced by migrant and ethnically diverse women victims/survivors of gender-based violence.
Juliana da Penha*
As part of the upcoming International Campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” from November 25 to December 10, this project will amplify voices and stories too often left out of mainstream narratives, aiming to foster greater understanding, empathy, and change.
The initiative commissioned and will publish 16 stories—one each day during the 16 Days of Activism—authored by migrant and ethnically diverse women journalists and authors from diverse backgrounds and countries. Each piece will explore how factors like class, race, gender, nationality and immigration status intersect to increase these women’s vulnerability to violence. Additionally, stories will highlight prevention strategies and propose solutions for combating gender-based violence.
Migrant Women Press (a migrant women-led independent media organization) seeks not only to spotlight these issues but also to empower migrant women and women from ethnically diverse backgrounds by offering them a platform to share their experiences and insights. Through investigative journalism, opinion pieces, and first-person essays, this initiative will provide an authentic, intersectional perspective on gender-based violence, focusing on underrepresented voices.
Skills development and support
To support the participating journalists and writers, Migrant Women Press, in partnership with the organisations involved, offered a series of online workshops that delved into critical areas of trauma-informed reporting and how to cover gender-based violence responsibly, focusing on migrant and ethnic minority women’s needs. These sessions were conducted by experts in gender-based violence, trauma reporting and migrant and ethnic minority women’s experiences. They were designed to equip participants with the tools needed to handle these sensitive topics effectively.
Strengthening efforts against violence
MWP has partnership with leading organisations dedicated to ending violence against women, some of them with a special focus on supporting ethnic migrant and minority women. Working alongside Zero Tolerance, Scottish Women’s Aid, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Just Right Scotland, Shakti Women’s Aid, Kairos Women+, Engender, Equal Media and Culture Centre, Latin American Women’s Aid, Project Esperanza, KWISA and Al Hasaniya Morrocan Women’s Centre, this project combines a wealth of expertise and resources to address the unique challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds. Through this collaboration, MWP aims to amplify the voices of victims/survivors. We are committed to creating a safer, more equitable future for all women by bringing attention to their stories.
Why does this project matter
Globally, nearly one in three women have endured physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. This crisis disproportionately impacts women and girls, with migrant and ethnically diverse women facing heightened vulnerabilities due to systemic barriers and social inequities. Migrant Women Press seeks to spotlight these stories, sparking dialogue around meaningful interventions and support systems tailored to these communities. This campaign addresses key questions: What factors make migrant and ethnically diverse women more vulnerable to gender-based violence? What specific actions can be taken to end violence and discrimination against these women?
Through this campaign, we aim to foster meaningful dialogue and drive solutions to address one of society’s most pressing challenges, envisioning a world free from gender-based violence.
For more information visit Migrant Women Press.
* Juliana da Penha, Founding Editor of Migrant Women Press.
(Photos: Pixabay and Pexels)
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