-article and images by Rik Moors
On Tuesday, July 16, at Ru Pare, Road of Hope organised a panel discussion focused on the crucial role of experiential knowledge in empowering refugee women.
The event brought together experts to reflect on the outcomes of a joint research project known as a neighbourhood workshop (wijkwerkplaats) to explore how experiential knowledge helps refugee integration within the project Breath of Hope. Panelists discussed how shared experiences and intercultural facilitation can foster integration and empowerment.
The panel included Prof. Dr. Saskia Keuzenkamp from VU and Movisie, Louise Elffers from the Knowledge Center Inequality and the University of Amsterdam, Patricia Barendregt, founder and director of Road of Hope, and Tarik Ouaziz, Community Workplaces Coordinator for Nieuw-West, who moderated the discussion.
A collaborative research initiative
Central to the discussion was the Breath of Hope initiative and the collaborative research effort known as the wijkwerkplaats project. The research focused on ‘ervaringskennis’ (experiential knowledge) within Breath of Hope, examining the role of intercultural facilitators. These facilitators are women who have navigated the refugee experience themselves and can share their stories, provide cultural context, and offer emotional support, serving as role models for new participants. Their participation encourages women to open up about their struggles and aspirations, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Anika Jansen from Road of Hope, who was part of the research project, explained how the research contributed to the understanding of how experiential knowledge impacts participants of Breath of Hope and contributes to the project’s goals. Researchers conducted interviews with facilitators, participants, the project coordinator, and the director, alongside analyzing project documents and scientific literature.
The wijkwerkplaats project revealed that sharing personal experiences helps build trust and safety, prompting women to reflect on their lives and embrace their emotions. Participants reported feeling less isolated and more hopeful, with many forming lasting friendships and social networks. This sense of community and belonging is pivotal in helping women rebuild their lives in a new country.
Intercultural facilitators and refugee challenges
Patricia discussed the various challenges faced by refugees in the program, including language barriers, social isolation, and the difficulty of breaking out of the social circles of people from their own backgrounds. Mental health and trauma are major challenges that often remain unaddressed; a big reason is the cultural taboo that is often placed on psychological issues in African and Arab countries.
Women, in particular, often have to learn new cultures, leading to misunderstandings and social isolation. “Many are afraid to speak Dutch, feeling that their language skills are poor, and they feel dumb as a result. This feeling of inadequacy hinders their ability to learn and increases their social isolation,” said Patricia. Access to other organizations is limited due to a lack of information, compounding the many challenges these women face.
The research findings will help improve the program even further. Says Patricia: “We are exploring whether we can also train individuals in translation, group leadership, and having specialized psychologists or sociologists for the group. We are also looking at family situations from different perspectives, including practical help.”
Training for group leaders and peer experts is also being improved. Adriane, the coordinator specialized in refugee support, is working on strengthening the training to provide more insight and empowerment. The research found that taking into account factors such as motherhood and length of stay in the Netherlands could help tailor support more effectively.
The importance of grassroots organizations and collaboration
One of the central themes was the importance of grassroots organizations like Road of Hope in connecting with communities and research organisations and providing essential support beyond formal structures. These organizations offer a vital safety net for vulnerable populations. Louise Elffers emphasized, “Grassroots organizations play a critical role in providing low-threshold support, which is essential for effective community engagement.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the panel, highlighting the unique position these organizations hold in addressing immediate and localized needs.
Saskia, for instance, noted the importance of Breath of Hope’s contribution to reducing inequality: “With inequality rising at many levels in the city, it is essential to address the challenge collectively. Utilizing people’s own experiences to support each other mentally is fundamental to tackling other forms of inequality.” She also noted that the research approach contrasted starkly with more top-down approaches, where local ‘subjects’ of research projects sometimes express frustration with researchers who come to collect data but fail to bring any value back to the community.
This sense of mutual contribution also motivated the researcher, according to Louise: “There wasn’t a single researcher who wasn’t enthusiastic about participating. Despite their funding and time constraints, they are all excited about the need for more collaboration and know that science and experience don’t have to be separate.”
Patricia reflected on the position of Road of Hope within the broader network of organisations in Amsterdam: “We are forming large collaborations with other parties and refer our women to other services. One person wanted to become a chef, and we found a training program funded by the municipality for them. Through our network, we can make referrals and organize workshops based on needs.” Road of Hope is also meeting with other organizations that work with refugees to have one voice in advocating for their needs.
Engagement with municipal organisations and academic institutions
The event attracted representatives from various municipal and health organizations, eager to learn from the panel’s insights. A representative from the municipality (gemeente) engaged with the panel, discussing ways to strengthen collaboration between local government and grassroots organizations.
Another representative from the GGD (Municipal Public Health Service) highlighted the importance of experiential knowledge in creating healthy and prosperous environments, stressing the need for continued support and funding for such initiatives. The engagement from these organizations underscores the broader impact and relevance of the Breath of Hope initiative.