27 May 2026, 12:30 - 18:00
Between Policy and Lived Experience
Migrant and Refugee Women’s Perspectives on the EU Migration pact
discussion, interactive workshops and participatory sessions
organized by New Women Connectors
The EU Migration Pact, introduced in 2020, sets out a framework for managing migration and asylum across the European Union. Civil society organisations have raised strong concerns that the Pact not only criminalises people on the move, but also deeply lacks an intersectional approach, ignoring the gendered implications of its policies and measures. By prioritising “security’’ and “border control” over rights, inclusion, and integration, the Pact disregards participation as a fundamental civic right.
Against a climate of rising far-right influence, there is an urgent need to discuss the implications of the Pact on migrant and refugee women and gender-diverse communities.
As the EU Migration Pact enters into effect in June 2026, we want to create an opportunity to:
examine the impact on migrant and refugee women
hear perspectives from civil society and affected communities
discuss strategies to ensure migrant women’s rights, safety, and inclusion are prioritised in the rollout of these policies.
BAK Utrecht, Pauwstraat 13a, 3512 TG Utrecht
Wednesday 27th May 2026
12.30 PM - 6PM
WORKSHOP 1: Unpacking the EU Migration Pact: What does the Pact mean for migrant and refugee women?
Foundational workshop by Sandra Alloush to gain a clear understanding of the Pact's gendered dimensions, focusing on implications for migrant and refugee women. Participants are encouraged to interactively assess the Pact's implementation and are prepared to critically engage with policymakers and advocate for change.
WORKSHOP 2: Narrative Change Around Harmful Migration Narratives & Resistance Tactics
This workshop around storytelling by Kourara Saliba (NWC) and Alejandro Navarrete Cortés (BAK Basecamp) explores how migrant and refugee women can reclaim their narratives by examining how the EU Migration Pact is framed in public discourse and identify opportunities to shift harmful narratives. Recognizing that migrant and refugee women are the most powerful narrators of their own stories, participants will learn practical strategies for amplifying their voices.
Combined with a participatory session, participants will reflect on building resistance tactics against harmful migration policies and far-right ideologies. The workshop will conclude in a co-creation how to collectively show resistance.
Agenda
12.30: Doors open and registrations
1.00pm: Welcome greetings + opening speech
1.30pm to 3pm: Workshop 1 - Unpacking the EU Migration Pact: What does the Pact mean for migrant and refugee women by Sandra Alloush
3.00pm: Break
3.15pm to 5.45pm: Workshop 2 - Narrative Change Around Harmful Migration Narratives & Resistance Tactics by Kourara Saliba (NWC) and Alejandro Navarrete Cortés (BAK Basecamp)
5.45pm to 6pm: Closing
This event is free and open to all, but due to limited spaces, registration is required. Kindly register via filling the form available here.
On Thursday, 18th of June, we are hosting a panel discussion to continue the day's discussion on ''Safe Pathways and Meaningful Participation for Migrant Women across Europe" in collaboration with Justice & Peace. Details to be announced soon.
This event is organised as part of New Women Connectors’ W-Star project. The project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
