On 26 November, IOM Germany, in collaboration with Lingoda, hosted the seventh event in the series “Newcomers in Germany and their Perspectives on the German Job Market”.  This edition, themed “Bridging Gaps: Integration and Empowerment of Migrant Women”, attracted over 40 participants from diverse sectors, including diaspora organizations, private sector, embassies, educational and research institutes and NGOs.  The four-hour workshop was an interactive space for exchanging ideas, spotlighting the challenges faced by migrant women, and sharing best practices for fostering inclusion.   

Nancy Bravo, founder of Bravo-Intercultural, delivered an insightful presentation on Cultural Intelligence, highlighting its crucial role in fostering inclusive and productive workplaces. She underscored how embracing diversity and practicing respect can unlock individual potential, ultimately driving societal and economic progress.

IOM Poland contributed to the discussion with insights from its community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programme. The presentation linked mental well-being to successful integration, highlighting the dual importance of mental health as both a prerequisite and an outcome of employment. Participants shared their experiences of entering the German labour market and discussed challenges such as the lack of support systems (e.g., family) in Germany, leading to increased dependency on day care and kindergartens, the recognition of qualifications acquired abroad, and feelings of isolation. It was emphasized that each migrant woman's journey is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Tackling stereotypes and recognizing the high qualifications of migrant women emerged as key priorities. 

Speakers and participants alike emphasized that integration is a two-way process that requires a whole-of-society approach and should also include employers and community members to better understand and manage diversity. 

The workshop concluded with smaller group discussions focusing on practical solutions. These included best practices for integrating migrant women, outreach strategies to raise awareness of available support and services, job opportunities, legal frameworks both in the pre-migration phase and in Germany, and platforms to amplify the experiences and voices of migrant women. 

The day ended on an inspiring note: 'When women meet, magic happens'! This powerful statement summed up the spirit of the day, emphasizing collective action in bridging gaps and empowering migrant women.