Valletta Event Highlights Gender-Based Violence in Migration Through Art and Sewing

Exploring the intersection of migration and gender-based violence (GBV) is important for understanding the challenges faced by migrants. A recent event organized by the local NGO TAMA, in collaboration with Bridging Borders, aimed to highlight these issues through a range of activities.

The event, titled *Connecting the Dots: Migration, Gender Justice and EU Solidarity*, took place on May 24th at the Valletta Design Cluster. It brought together artists, activists, and community members to discuss sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) during migration and explore solutions through art, sewing, poetry, and more.

The Importance of Addressing SGBV in Migration

SGBV is a widespread issue that affects many migrants, especially women and girls. The trauma experienced during migration can have long-lasting effects, making it important to create spaces for discussion and healing.

The event provided a safe space for survivors and advocates to share their experiences and insights. This platform encouraged open conversations and support among participants.

Art as a Medium for Healing

Art plays a significant role in healing trauma. During the event, activities like music, storytelling, and dance workshops helped participants express their emotions and experiences in a supportive environment.

These creative outlets offer survivors of SGBV a way to process and communicate their trauma. Art can be a therapeutic tool for recovery.

Sewing Workshops: Crafting a Path to Empowerment

Sewing workshops were an important part of the event, giving participants a practical skill that can also be therapeutic. Sewing allows individuals to focus on creating something tangible, which can be empowering.

These workshops teach valuable skills and help build a sense of community and support among participants. The shared activity fosters connection and mutual encouragement.

Panel Discussions: Voices of Activists and Community Leaders

The event included a panel discussion with activists and community leaders who explored the role of EU solidarity in addressing SGBV within migration. This discussion highlighted the importance of both individual and state-level responses.

By bringing together diverse voices, the panel identified gaps in current support systems and looked for opportunities to improve them. Collaboration was emphasized as a key to progress.

Malta’s Role and Responsibilities

As a member of the EU, Malta has responsibilities regarding migration and SGBV. The panel stressed the need for Malta to support survivors and implement policies that promote gender justice.

This includes providing trauma-informed health support, educational workshops on equality and inclusion, and capacity building with both governmental and non-governmental partners. Proactive action was encouraged.

Film Screenings and Q&A Sessions

The event featured screenings of original documentaries that showed the lived experiences of migrants in Malta. These films offered a direct look at the challenges faced by survivors of SGBV.

After the screenings, a Q&A session with the protagonists allowed the audience to engage directly with those who have lived through these issues. This helped to humanize the statistics and deepen understanding.

Creating Safe Spaces for Reflection and Networking

The event ended with a *safe space for reflection and networking*, where attendees could connect with others committed to social change. This segment allowed participants to discuss what they had learned and share their own experiences.

Building supportive networks is crucial for sustaining momentum in the fight against SGBV. These connections help foster long-term change.

TAMA’s Comprehensive Approach to Addressing SGBV

Founded in 2020, TAMA is a women-led voluntary organization that addresses SGBV in Malta, with a focus on those with migration experiences. TAMA’s multicultural team includes members with direct lived experience, which informs their approach.

The organization offers trauma-informed well-being services, creative community-building activities, educational training for front-line workers, and advocacy with policymakers. Their practical knowledge shapes their comprehensive work.

Trauma-Informed Well-Being Services

TAMA provides trauma-informed health support for survivors of SGBV, ensuring their services meet the unique needs of those who have experienced trauma. This includes mental health support, medical care, and access to safe housing.

By addressing immediate needs, TAMA helps survivors stabilize their situations and begin their recovery. Their approach focuses on both safety and well-being.

Educational Workshops and Capacity Building

Education is central to TAMA’s work. They offer workshops on equality and inclusion for the public and specific groups such as front-line workers.

These workshops raise awareness about SGBV and provide participants with the skills needed to support survivors. TAMA also works on capacity building with both governmental and non-governmental partners to ensure a holistic and collaborative approach.

Connecting Survivors with Decision-Makers

One of TAMA’s key strategies is connecting survivors directly with decision-makers. This helps ensure that policy discussions are based on real experiences.

By bringing the voices of survivors forward, TAMA advocates for policies that meet the actual needs of those affected by SGBV. This approach empowers survivors and leads to better solutions.

The event organized by TAMA and Bridging Borders highlighted the importance of addressing SGBV during migration. Through art, sewing, panel discussions, and film screenings, the event provided a platform for education and awareness.

To learn more about this event, visit the original article on Lovin Malta.