Study Day on Unfree Partner Choice
On November 21, 2024, GemmA, the Gender and Migration Support Center, of which HWA is one of the three core partners, organized its first study day on (un)free partner choice. A total of 96 participants attended, coming from sectors such as welfare, education, integration and civic integration, police, and healthcare.
During this study day, HWA conducted an interactive workshop on Partner Choice within South Asian families. Originally intended for a maximum of 10 participants, overwhelming interest resulted in a full group of 20 social workers from different organisations like FJC, OCMW, CAW and other organisations interested in the topic of the Study Day. Together, we explored topics such as the thin line between arranged and forced marriages and discussed practical examples. For many participants, this was a valuable introduction to traditions and norms from countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. We also shared our expertise on cultural sensitivity and approaches to addressing these issues. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to have shared our knowledge to support professionals in their important work!
