The Silent Struggles of Refugee Women Became the Focus of Young People's Learning

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Unity Beyond Borders" (Project No: 2024-1-AT01-KA152-YOU-000198325), implemented in partnership with Artemis Women's Power MTÜ and coordinated by Verein für Gemeinwesenarbeit und Minderheitenintegration, continued its third day with educational activities dedicated to exploring the complex realities faced by refugee women. The project brings together young people from Austria, Estonia, Romania, Türkiye, and Spain to promote human rights, intercultural dialogue, and social inclusion.

The day began with an energizing team-building game designed to strengthen group dynamics and encourage active participation. Through interactive activities, participants improved communication, cooperation, and trust while preparing for the day's educational programme.

The main educational session focused on the multiple challenges experienced by refugee women before, during, and after migration. Participants learned that women often flee not only because of war but also due to gender-based violence, discrimination, persecution, and human rights violations. The presentation was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session and group discussions, allowing participants to exchange perspectives and deepen their understanding of these complex issues.

During the afternoon workshop, participants explored migration-related terminology across different languages. Working in national groups, they shared migration-related vocabulary in their native languages alongside English equivalents, creating multilingual learning materials and social media content. The activity promoted intercultural communication while supporting foreign language development and raising awareness through online dissemination.

The day concluded with an Estonian Cultural Night, where the Estonian participants introduced their country's traditional food, music, dances, and customs. Through cultural exchange, participants broadened their understanding of different traditions while strengthening mutual respect and intercultural friendships.

Overall, the third day provided participants with a deeper understanding of refugee women's experiences while encouraging critical thinking, empathy, intercultural communication, and active citizenship—key objectives of the Unity Beyond Borders project.