Southside Partnership

14 women from 12 different countries participated in a Community Café style conversation with migrant women today, in the Samuel Becket Centre, Ballyogan. The purpose of the conversation was to explore migrant women’s experience of living in DLR. It was facilitated by CAN and hosted by Southside Partnership. It was a positive day; we had good conversations around the table about culture, language, employment and accommodation. The women were very interested in learning more about Irish culture, making new friends and finding employment. The conversation explored some of the difficulties and challenges faced by the women in integrating into Irish society; they include social exclusion, language barriers and cultural differences. They spoke about identity and belonging and shared that while some members of their families (husband/children) have settled into Irish life, many of the women themselves feel lonely and isolated. They shared their concerns about the future, their dreams about working and having secure accommodation, and were hopeful about the opportunities living in Ireland affords them. Towards the end of the conversation women spoke about wanting to meet more Irish people, to speak with them, to learn from them and share with them something of their own culture. For more information on our Women’s Integration Programme contact Marese Hegarty in Southside Partnership on 01-4421004