Migration issues are a hot topic in the Netherlands, and in Europe as a whole. While migrants and refugees are portrayed as “a problem”, there is very little attention for the ways in which they struggle with the increasingly restricted laws and procedures of Fortress Europe. In addition, there is little attention for the various ways in which migrants and refugees try to improve their situation. This is particularly so for migrant women. In this debate we will shed light on the complex ways in which gender constructions affect migrants and refugees, both in the countries of origin and in the Netherlands. Which role do gender constructions play in migration and refugee trajectories? How gender-sensitive are Dutch migration policies? What are the most important obstacles migrant and refugee women encounter? And how can Dutch migration policies be improved so that they become more gender-sensitive?

This evening is organized by LOVA (the Dutch Association for Gender Studies and Feminist Anthropology) and het Wereldhuis in coöperation with Atria on the occasion of the LOVA International Conference “Ethnographies of Gender and Mobility”, which takes place from 5-7 July at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Speakers

Dr. Ratna Saptari, anthropologist, Leiden University, and representative of the Indonesian Worker’s Union in the Netherlands, which supports undocumented workers.

Louma Nourallah has a Master Natural Geography from Aleppo University, extensive experience working with the Syrian NGO Mobaderoon in the promotion of active citizenship, and is involved in various activities for Syrian refugees in the Netherlands.

Esther de Jong is senior policy advisor at Atria. Her department trains policy makers to improve the reception conditions and labour market integration of refugee women in The Netherlands.

Palwasha Muhammad Hassan, studied Political Science and International Relations in Afghanistan and worked for eight years for national and international organizations in the field of women’s empowerment. Since 2014 in the Netherlands.

Cindy is an LGBT activist from Uganda, closely involved with the World House.

Moderator: Dr. Marina de Regt, anthropologist at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and chair of LOVA.

Time

Start program: 20.00
Doors open: 19.30

Photo: Mural by Gaia / Wall In Art. Photographer: Lewis Hine

Registration

The event is fully booked.