Gezin in Balans
Space for conversation between mothers and daughters
How do you give your daughter freedom without losing the bond within your family? How do you talk about expectations, boundaries, dreams and choices when home, school and society sometimes send different messages?
With Family in Balance (gezin in balans), HWA, in collaboration with GemmA, creates a safe space for Afghan mothers and daughters to talk to each other. The project supports families with a migration background on themes such as parenting, gender equality, freedom of choice and mutual understanding.
During the sessions, open dialogue, trust and connecting communication are central. Mothers and daughters are given the space to share experiences, ask questions and discuss sensitive topics. Not to judge, but to understand each other better.
Strengthening families
Family in Balance starts from the strength of families. Many mothers want to protect their daughters while also giving them opportunities. Many daughters are looking for their own path, while also wanting to stay connected to their family and culture. That tension is recognisable, but not always easy to talk about.
That is why the programme brings mothers and daughters together around themes such as:
- parenting and expectations;
- freedom of choice and plans for the future;
- gender roles and equality;
- communication within the family;
- dealing with cultural differences and taboos.
The sessions help families talk respectfully about topics that can sometimes feel sensitive. In this way, greater understanding, trust and connection can grow between mother and daughter.
Inspired by an existing methodology
Family in Balance is inspired by the Rüya methodology developed by the Verwey-Jonker Institute in the Netherlands. This methodology makes cultural expectations, generational differences and taboos within parenting open to discussion.
HWA applies this approach within its own work with Afghan families, with attention to the lived experience, language, culture and needs of the participants.
Who is it for?
The programme is aimed at Afghan mothers and their teenage daughters. The sessions take place in groups, in a safe and respectful atmosphere.
