An article written by Faith Barorot, Community Development Worker, Bristol Women’s Voice
As we mark International Migrants Day, it is a moment to honour the strength, resilience, and diversity of migrant communities in Bristol and beyond. At Bristol Women’s Voice, we have dedicated the past year to spotlighting these invaluable contributions through the Migrant Women Series. This initiative aims to celebrate the diverse experiences of migrant women in Bristol, providing a platform for their voices, and foster a deeper sense of belonging. Each talk has offered a space for reflection, connection, and empowerment, reducing isolation and bringing communities together.
With the success of this year’s sessions, we are thrilled to announce that the Migrant Women Series will continue into 2025, with more powerful talks planned to highlight the journeys and achievements of women from migrant communities in Bristol. But before we look ahead, let’s reflect on the incredible stories and insights shared over the past year.
Reclaiming Narratives: Negat Hussein and Layla Ismail
The series opened with an inspiring session led by Negat Hussein and Layla Ismail from Refugee Women of Bristol (RWoB). As the only multi-faith, multi-ethnic organisation in Bristol dedicated to supporting migrant women, RWoB is a beacon of inclusion and empowerment.
Negat and Layla shared the wide range of services RWoB provides, from emotional support and childcare to addressing urgent issues like domestic abuse and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). A highlight of their talk was the journey to establish the Bristol Community Rose Clinic, a specialised healthcare service for women affected by FGM.
They emphasised the importance of moving conversations about FGM beyond the refugee community to increase awareness and sensitivity across society. Their advocacy exemplifies the power of migrant women reclaiming their narratives and leading community-driven initiatives that address systemic inequalities.
The Power of Language: Warda Ibrahim’s Journey
In the second session, Warda Ibrahim, Managing Director of TALO Community, explored how language can serve as both a bridge and a tool of empowerment for migrant women. Founded by Somali women in Bristol, TALO is a women-led social enterprise that promotes positive representation and engagement for marginalised groups.
Warda shared her personal journey of balancing integration into British society with preserving her Somali heritage. She spoke about the challenges migrant women face when navigating new environments while maintaining cultural identity. Through her work, Warda has demonstrated how language can be a source of resilience, opening doors to economic and social opportunities while fostering confidence and solidarity.
Her talk was a powerful reminder of how language is not just a means of communication but a tool for empowerment and connection.
Anna Barnett: Championing Survivors of Domestic Abuse
Anna Barnett, Service Operations Manager at OPOKA, shared her deeply moving story of resilience and advocacy. Sixteen years ago, Anna fled Poland with her young daughter to escape domestic abuse. Today, she is a Service Operations Manager at OPOKA, a charity that provides safe housing, counselling, and advocacy for Polish women and children.
Anna’s talk illuminated the unique cultural and systemic barriers Polish women face when seeking help, from societal stigma to the challenges posed by Brexit. Her story highlighted the transformative power of community-driven initiatives like OPOKA, which take a holistic approach to supporting survivors.
This session left attendees inspired to recognise and address the intersecting challenges faced by migrant women while celebrating their courage and strength.
Tara Miran: The Strength of Allyship and Heritage
The final session of the year featured the incredible Tara Miran, a Kurdish community leader and advocate. Tara shared her story as a first-generation migrant, rooted in her Kurdish heritage and the ethos of “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” (Women, Life, Freedom)—a core principle of the Kurdish Feminist Liberation Movement.
Through her reflections on Kurdish women’s historical resistance and her work in community development, Tara emphasised the importance of recognising the strengths in marginalised communities. She also explored the transformative potential of allyship, encouraging attendees to reflect on their privileges, engage in lifelong learning, and take actionable steps to support marginalised groups.
Tara’s session left participants inspired to embrace inclusivity and advocate for meaningful change in their communities.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Celebration of Migrant Narratives
The Migrant Women Series has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and strength of migrant women in Bristol. Each session has shed light on the challenges and triumphs faced by these communities, reminding us of the importance of amplifying their voices.
As we look to 2025, we are excited to continue this journey with more talks and initiatives that celebrate the rich diversity of Bristol’s migrant women. These events will offer new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow as a community. To keep up to date with upcoming events, I’d recommend signing up to be a member of Bristol Women’s Voice: www.bristolwomensvoice.org.uk/membership/ or visit www.bristolwomensvoice.org.uk/our-projects/events/.
For more information about the organisations featured in this series, visit:
- OPOKA: www.opoka.org.uk
- TALO Community: www.talocommunity.org
- Refugee Women of Bristol: www.refugeewomenofbristol.org.uk
- Tara Miran: www.linkedin.com/in/tara-miran-kurdm
Let us continue to celebrate and uplift the invaluable contributions of migrants in our communities—today and every day.
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