Living in a safe space is a fundamental condition for the well-being and social inclusion of women and adolescents who are victims or survivors of trafficking.
In a world where migrant women face daily challenges, the SAFEHUT project offers a tangible opportunity for empowerment and integration. On 17th December 2024, the Spazio 3 Navate at Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa in Palermo hosted an event focused on the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS), a key initiative of the SAFEHUT project, coordinated by CESIE in collaboration with Centro Penc.
The event was an important occasion to share the project’s progress and ongoing activities, highlighting SAFEHUT’s pivotal role in supporting migrant women and girls. In a welcoming and safe environment, participants have been able to engage in training and personal development, gaining new skills and improving their quality of life.
A particularly significant part of the event was the showcase of workshops run by the women themselves, demonstrating the positive impact of the skills they have acquired. The activities included:
- Hair-styling, where participants displayed professional skills in the beauty industry.
- Creative Workshop, offering a space for manual crafts and artistic expression.
- Art Therapy, providing an opportunity for participants to explore their emotions and enhance their creativity.
Another key element of the project is the Child-care service, which has been an integral part of the space for some time. This service enables mothers to take part in WGSS activities while their children are cared for in a secure and supportive environment. With the presence of a cultural mediator and an experienced educator, both specialised in supporting children with a migrant background, families receive valuable and continuous assistance.
The work carried out by the WGSS has had a profound impact on the lives of the women involved, offering not only personal support but also tools to strengthen social and community connections. This holistic approach has created a space where beneficiaries feel welcomed, safe, and empowered to build a better future.
The WGSS initiative and the SAFEHUT project concretely demonstrate how a safe space can transform into an engine of inclusion, growth and autonomy for women and adolescents who are victims or survivors of trafficking. By providing a protected environment, educational pathways and supportive activities, these spaces not only address immediate needs, but also lay the foundation for a more independent and dignified future.
To learn more, write to Cristina Idone Befecadu: cristina.idonebefecadu@cesie.org.
About Safe Hut
SAFE HUT – Holding safe spaces for women and girls’ empowerment is a project funded by the European Commission, DG for Migration and Home Affairs (HOME), Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
Partner
- CESIE (Italy, coordinator)
- Centro PENC. ANTROPOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA GEOCLINICA ONLUS (Italy)
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) (Germany)
- KENTRO MERIMNAS OIKOGENEIAS KAI PAIDIOU (KMOP) (Greece)
- KOVOS SU PREKYBA ZMONEMIS IR ISNAUDOJIMU CENTRAS VSI (KOPZI) (Lituania)
- ASOCIATIA ECUMENICA A BISERCILOR DIN ROMANIA A (AIDROM) (Romania)
- ANIMUS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION (AAF) (Bulgaria)
For further information
Read about Safe Hut, visit the website and follow us on Instagram.
Contact Cristina Idone Befecadu: cristina.idonebefecadu@cesie.org.
