EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Emancipation centre for and by women in Delfshaven

Emancipation centre for and by women in Delfshaven

Problem

How can (immigrant) women be helped effectively in the area of emancipation, integration and participation?

Description

The Women's Centre Delfshaven in Rotterdam organises activities for women, such as language, sports and sewing lessons, with the goal of increasing their emancipation, integration and participation. The centre is intended for all women in Delfshaven, but especially for women who have just come to the Netherlands and are not yet proficient in the Dutch language. The most important difference with other similar initiatives is that the women's house is run entirely by immigrant women themselves. In this way, the women are able to create an atmosphere in which many other immigrant women feel comfortable and at home. Women aged 20 to 75 from various ethnic groups including Turks, Surinamese, Chinese, Moroccans, Antillean and Syrian, as well as Dutch, participate in the centre's activities.

Approach

The Women's Centre Delfshaven has succeeded in reaching the most difficult group to reach in the cities: immigrant women. The centre allows them to participate in various projects. The most important difference with similar initiatives is that the women's house is run entirely by immigrant women themselves, without formal support from other parties. In this unique way, the women can create an atmosphere where immigrant women feel safe and at ease.

Target group

Women aged 20 to 75 from various ethnic groups including Turks, Surinamese, Chinese, Moroccans, Antillean and Syrian, as well as Dutch women.

Results

Many women have come out of isolation; the centre brings women together in an informal manner;
Many dozens, if not hundreds of women from various groups and different ages have participated in the language courses and creative lessons over the years;
For many immigrant women, the women's centre network is valuable because it allows them the chance to act independently of their spouse or in-laws.

The Women's Centre Delfshaven was nominated for the prestigious 'Parel van Integratie 2007' (Integration Pearl of 2007), an annual award for the most succesful integration project in The Netherlands.

Learning experiences

Policymakers must approach immigrant women with patience. Transition to conventional education or the labour market may be desirable, but is not an attainable goal for many women;
The women's centre must stimulate these women for whom work is not realistic to participate in society in other ways;
The low threshold to the centre is important for many clients;
Policy continuity is important, in contrast to short-term projects.

Resources used

Co-operative partners
Ooverbruggen (language service provider), Albeda College
Dienst Sport en Recreatie (Sports and Recreation department)
City Borough of Delfshaven, Rotterdam
Aya Sopfia
Public Health Service
Mensen Maken de Stad (People create the city)
Education development work
Vrouwen in beweging (Women in movement) Delfshaven
Delphi social work
Neighbourhood schools
DISCK (welfare work)
Com Wonen (housing corporation)
RIAGG (Regional Institute for Outpatient Mental Health Care)

Financing

The City Borough of Delfshaven finances the Women's Centre Delfshaven. The women pay a small contribution (average of 7 Euros per month) for the various activities.

Contact info

Vrouwencentrum Delfshaven
Wassila Asnoussi (Activities supervisor and administrative co-worker), tel. 0031 10 2622823

Project start date

01/01/1994

Cities

Delfshaven, Rotterdam - The Netherlands

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Social inclusion & integration

Institutional characteristics
Local Authority