In a world where migration and displacement redefine the dynamics of family and culture, “ “Motherhood Across Cultures” shines as a beacon of hope and empowerment for refugee and migrant mothers. Led by the Road of Hope Foundation, this initiative offers a sanctuary for women navigating the complexities of parenting in a new cultural landscape while fostering emotional resilience and community connections through weekly orientation sessions.
The Need for Support
Motherhood is a universal experience, yet it takes on unique challenges when paired with migration. Refugee and migrant mothers often face isolation, cultural disorientation, and barriers to accessing health care and other vital services. These hurdles can lead to heightened stress and mental health struggles, particularly for those who have fled conflict or come from vulnerable backgrounds.
Adriane Vieira, the project coordinator, explains: “The mothers’ group arose from the need presented by the women who took part in the two researches carried out by Road of Hope, one with the Public Health Service of Amsterdam and the other with the Vrije Universiteit. In these researches, it became clear both the importance of the topic of motherhood in two cultures and the importance of having a Reflection Group where women with the same background could talk about it, connect and get support.”
The research Adriane mentions are, respectively, “Collectief Cultuureel Onderzoek” and “Empowering Refugee Women Through Experiential Knowledge in Amsterdam”, both available for free download on the Road of Hope website.
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
The Motherhood Across Culture offers a comprehensive program that prioritizes emotional well-being, practical knowledge, and cultural adaptation. Through individual interviews, home visits, and structured group sessions, the initiative fosters mutual understanding, reduces stress, and empowers mothers to thrive in their new environment.
The reflection groups lie at the heart of the initiative. These weekly gatherings not only provide Dutch language classes but also delve into crucial topics such as Parenting in Two Cultures, Strengthening Social Support Networks, and Strategies to Enhance Parenting Practices, among other practical subjects based on the real needs of migrant mothers.
“This group differs from other groups of women that we have at Breath of Hope because the central theme is motherhood,” Adriane notes. “All the participants and volunteers have motherhood in common. So the themes of the sessions are all focused on this specific topic.”
Building Connections Across Borders
The participants from countries such as Syria, Eritrea, and Morocco attend eight-week courses to explore the intersections of motherhood and cultural adaptation. These sessions are lifelines, offering tools to navigate parenting in two cultures, balance traditional values with Dutch norms, and strengthen family bonds.
Workshops are another cornerstone of the initiative, addressing practical societal concerns such as navigating the Dutch health care system. By bridging cultural gaps, the project reduces mistrust and confusion, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Motherhood as a Shared Journey
For this unique initiative, a new material has been developed. Together with volunteers with extensive knowledge in the field, the sessions are built to become more than just classes — “they are a space to recharge, connect, and dream. The program provides a platform where mothers can find solidarity in shared experiences, nurturing not only their parenting practices but also their personal aspirations”, explains Adriane, who also guides the other professional volunteers.
A Growing Community
Launched on October 24th, this first experience program runs until December 19th, with weekly morning sessions that remain open to new participants. The project’s impact extends beyond individual participants, influencing family dynamics and community cohesion and laying the foundation for integration and mutual understanding.
For mothers seeking a supportive network, Motherhood Across Culture is more than a program—it is a promise of hope, resilience, and shared humanity.
For more information, contact: breathofhope@roadofhope.org