Empowerment course for refugee women in Hafnarfjörður

A personal journey for every woman

Fourteen refugee women in Hafnarfjörður took part in a course on empowerment for activity and social participation. The course was structured as a personal journey where both self-understanding and social awareness were enhanced through education, shared experiences, conversation and self-expression. Cultural sensitivity and a trauma-informed approach were the guiding principles throughout the course, and the women's journey concluded with an exhibition of their work and projects, and a video that told their story and shed light on the vulnerable situation of refugee women. A large crowd attended the graduation ceremony in the hall of the Hafnarfjörður Library, where the women served food from their home countries. 

Increased understanding and knowledge increases independence and activity.

The main aim of the course was to empower the group and to encourage independence and active participation in Icelandic society. Increased knowledge leads to increased power, and with greater control over her circumstances, the refugee woman automatically gains more self-confidence and begins to believe in her own abilities. The strengths, abilities and skills of each woman were explored, using artistic expression in the form of writing, paintings, poems, drawings and recordings. The emphasis was on increased cultural understanding, highlighting the important cultural spectrum that is created within society when diverse cultures, different languages and interests connect and come together. A large proportion of the group attending the course are illiterate and have little to no computer skills. The tutors were Aðalheiður Mjöll, a specialist in refugee affairs for the City of Hafnarfjörður, and Hoda, PhD.

A vulnerable group at high risk of adjustment difficulties

The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður received a grant from the Development Fund for the Coordination of Refugee Reception for a course specially designed for refugee women. This group is very vulnerable and is therefore at high risk of adjustment difficulties. Over 80% of the world's refugees are women and their children, and the situation for refugee women is often difficult. Social status can be a barrier in daily life, and for this reason, empowerment is important for refugees who flee their homelands and have to cope with changed circumstances in a new and previously unknown place. It is an important and worthwhile task to welcome people who are fleeing, many of whom are in shock and for whom adapting is difficult. Ensuring trust and successful first steps in a new community is a challenge. An empowerment course is one way.