Emotional Management for Migrant Women

According to UNFPA (United nations Populated Fund) migration is a serious concern for migrant women for different motives: • Migrant women face double discrimination – as women and as migrants. Women can suffer doubly from these attitudes, experiencing not only discrimination based on their migrant status but also based on based on their gender. This can take the form of discrimination and mistreatment –including sexual harassment – in the workplace, while seeking housing, while using public transportation, and while accessing education and health services. • Female migrants face major risks, including sexual exploitation, trafficking and violence. Migrant women are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, accounting for 71% of trafficking victims, according to a 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. • Migrant women are more likely to face health problems at their destinations. When female migrants reach their intended destinations, they face barriers to health care, especially sexual and reproductive health services. In this context, immigrant women face a possible higher prevalence of serious mental health problems such as affective depression, schizophrenia, stress disorders and anxiety.

In this sense, when analyzing emotions and their regulation, one of the most relevant variables currently researched is the study of Emotional Intelligence. EI has been defined as the ability of an individual to identify, understand and manage the emotional content of their interactions and experiences (Goleman, 1995), and is divided in two big areas: - intrapersonal. Individual management of one's emotions - interpersonal. Managing one's own and other people's emotions in a social environment GOAL: Here is where EMMW can be beneficial and necessary to reach the following objectives: a) develop emotional skills to overcome social obstacles. b) regulate their emotional states to improve their psychological well-being. The ultimate goal is to adapt socially in the host country, especially in situations where a specific approach should be revised and adjusted to conform to changes in context. TARGET GROUPS: - Migrant women - Social workers and NGO volunteers in the field of immigration.

The following activities were implemented during this project: The development of the following tools were successfully implemented: Project Results (PR) 1. PR1: Self-Assessment Tool - Development of a self-assessment tool for social workers and NGO volunteers to identify their strengths and weaknesses in emotional intelligence. 2. PR2: Training modules - Creation of a training system with 24 modules to train social workers and NGO volunteers in the areas identified in PR1. 3. Digital tools - Development of a set of online tools to implement the theoretical content defined in PR2 by social workers and volunteers. 4. Offline Practical Toolkit - Creation of an offline practical toolkit to help migrant women manage their emotions in their new situation. This included practical exercises, games, and dynamics aimed at reinforcing emotional skills. To develop the above tools we have carried out the following transnational meetings: Transnational Project Meetings - KOM Cologne: Kick-off meeting held in Cologne. - TPM1 Córdoba: First transnational project meeting held in Espoo. - TPM2 Brussels: Second transnational project meeting held in Brussels. - TPM3 Espoo: Third transnational project meeting held in Córdoba. To disseminate the results of this project we have carries out the following Multiplier Events (E1-E6) - Workshops were titled "Training in EMMW" held in all the partner countries to ensure the sustainability of the project results beyond the partnership and project life. These workshops were conducted in Spain, Finland, Greece, Turkey, Germany, and Belgium. Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities (C1) - EMMW Train-the-Trainers: A training event for 10 staff members aimed at testing and developing in practice the tools and competencies described and developed in PR1 and PR2. Apart from the above main activities we have concluded the following tasks. Management and Implementation 1 Management and Administration - Documentation: Preparation of project documentation, contracts, timesheets, reporting templates, etc. - Communication and Meetings: Organization of transnational meetings and internal staff meetings. - Progress Reporting: Reporting on the progress of work, milestones, activities, and events. - Budget Control and Financial Reporting: Monitoring of budget and financial reporting. - Time Management: Detailed time management procedures. - Handling Risks: Strategies for managing project risks. 2. Quality Assurance and Evaluation. - Quality Assurance Plan: Preparation and implementation of a quality assurance plan. - Evaluation Tools: Development of evaluation tools for meetings, project progress, project results, and multiplier events. - Evaluation Reports: Compilation of mid-term and final evaluation reports. 3. Promotion: - Promotion Plan: Development of a promotion plan with measures and indicators. - Graphic Standards: Creation of project logos, colors, and document templates. - Visualisation: Project website and social network presence. - Newsletters and Brochures: Distribution of newsletters and informational brochures.

Project Results (PR) PR1: Self-Assessment Tool Objective: Develop a self-assessment tool for social workers and NGO volunteers. Description: This tool helps identify the strengths and weaknesses in emotional intelligence of social workers and volunteers. The self-assessment tool is designed to provide insight into their emotional skills, which are crucial for effectively supporting migrant women. Outcome: A comprehensive self-assessment tool that social workers and volunteers can use to evaluate their emotional competencies and identify areas for improvement. PR2: Theoretical Modules Objective: Create a training system with practical modules. Description: The training system consists of 24 modules (four modules for each emotional skill) aimed at enhancing the emotional intelligence of social workers and NGO volunteers. This system is developed based on the insights gained from PR1. Outcome: A structured training system that equips social workers and volunteers with the necessary skills to manage and improve their emotional intelligence, thereby enhancing their ability to support migrant women effectively. PR3: Digital Tools Objective: Develop online tools to implement the training content. Description: A set of online tools was created to facilitate the practical application of the theoretical content defined in PR2. These tools are designed for use by social workers and volunteers to support their training and daily activities. Outcome: An accessible online platform with tools that provide practical exercises, scenarios, and interactive content to help social workers and volunteers apply their training in real-world situations. PR4: Tool Box for Migrant Women Objective: Create an offline practical toolkit for migrant women. Description: This toolkit includes practical exercises, games, dynamics, and methodological resources tailored for both groups and individuals. It focuses on helping migrant women manage their emotions effectively in their new environments. Outcome: A tangible set of resources that migrant women can use to improve their emotional well-being and integration. The toolkit supports the practical application of emotional management skills learned through the online tools and training system. Additional Information: Each project result was designed to build upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive approach to enhancing the emotional intelligence of social workers, volunteers, and migrant women. The results aimed to: Empower Social Workers and Volunteers: By providing them with the tools and training needed to manage their own emotions and better support migrant women. Support Migrant Women: By offering practical tools and resources to help them navigate emotional challenges and integrate more effectively into their new communities. Ensure Sustainability: By creating resources that can be used beyond the project’s duration, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved.