#miasanda

In the organizer's words:

With the hashtag series, we want to establish #miasanda as a platform and reflection process for migrant, female representation and visibility. We are interested in direct exchange and interaction between the participants and the audience.

We interpret the sentence of the Basic Law "Human dignity is inviolable" to mean that there is a "truth", i.e. values that are inherent to all people. From this perspective, we see the current German migration debate as extremely critical, as migrant women are rarely if ever presented as subjects of their own experiences or history. Is this due to the hegemonic power of interpretation of the majority society, which is often male and white-dominated? Why is the diversity of the migrant community not sufficiently taken into account, but instead the image of a monolithic, homogeneous group is painted? The fact is that the reality of migrant women is characterized by a diversity of living conditions or lifeworlds. This diversity has led to an enrichment in all areas of German society; indeed, a profound and rapid change has taken place.

With #miasanda, we would like to shift the focus from the common deficit perspective to the incredible potential and talents of migrant women. It can no longer be overlooked that migrant women have become active players in migration processes in recent decades. They not only take responsibility for their own concerns and interests, but are also prepared to share responsibility for society and the community as a whole. That is why we want to use the hashtag to ensure that migration can, should and may be discussed, argued and debated, but that no one should be allowed to incite hatred against migrant women. Xenophobic discourse, prejudices, outdated traditions or stereotypes hinder peaceful coexistence instead of promoting it. #miasanda is a reflection process and discussion platform for existential questions:

To what extent does the attribution of migrant women as the "others", "strangers", "people of color" or the designation "people with a migration background" in political discourses and socially established views lead to segregation and stigmatization rather than integration? Could this even lead to separation - separation according to residential areas, according to social status, according to ethnic, religious and/or linguistic-cultural criteria?

Successful integration of foreign citizens is a task for society as a whole and an ongoing process for society as a whole, which affects us all and will certainly take place over generations. Integration can only succeed if migrant women are an accepted part of society, both as individuals and as a group. The relevance of the reciprocal nature of the integration process must be emphasized today more than ever. We would like to take a closer look at the reciprocal achievements and mutual recognition of diversity and "otherness" in the dialog. Collective experiences can give rise to authentic processes of reflection.

Women who were born, raised and socialized in Germany will have their say. Therefore, the question may be asked: Are they still migrants, even though they have not experienced migration in their lives? What significance does migration have for me as the person affected and for the others, the recipients, who perceive me as a foreigner?

Common narratives often overshadow the positive effects of migration on our society. However, migrant women make a significant contribution to alleviating the shortage of skilled workers and have also been shaping the cultural, economic, social and political development of the country for a very long time.

Today, we can say that migration has become a part of normality.

"Germany is not abolishing itself, Germany is enriching itself through migration!" Dr. Corina Toledo