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Services & Initiatives, Driven by Purpose

Cultural Heritage Programs

We celebrate African identity through music, dance, storytelling, drumming, and traditional cuisine. Why it matters: To preserve culture, foster pride, and build a strong sense of belonging.

Youth & Children Engagement

Interactive workshops, theatre, and creative spaces that support expression, learning, and joy. Why it matters: To nurture confidence, connection, and future leadership.

Women Empowerment Sessions

Skills training, peer support, and personal development tailored for African immigrant women. Why it matters: To build resilience, economic independence, and community leadership

Integration Support

Practical guidance on language, work, education, and life in Finland. Why it matters: To ensure smooth transitions and empower informed, confident living.

Disability Inclusion Support

Inclusive activities and resources for children with disabilities and their families. Why it matters: To promote equal participation and dignity for every child

Community Research & Advocacy

We listen, document, and act on the real issues affecting our community—from racism to social inequality. Why it matters: To drive change, influence policy, and make every voice count.

The African Immigrant Women, Youth, and Children Association (AFROWIST), in partnership with the European Union and Hyvä Varsin, is conducting a research study on the status and challenges faced by African women and children across eleven municipalities in the Turku region of Finland.

The research will be conducted across eleven municipalities in the Turku region—Turku, Kaarina, Raisio, Naantali, Lieto, Paimio, Sauvo, Masku, Rusko,Nousainen, and Taivassalo. These municipalities were selected because they represent diverse demographic and socioeconomic contexts within Southwest Finland, where African immigrant women and children are increasingly part of local communities. The Turku region is a key hub for immigrant settlement, offering both urban and semirural environments that highlight variations in integration experiences. By including municipalities of different sizes and service capacities, the study aims to capture a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by African immigrant families. This selection also ensures that findings will be relevant for regional policy development and can inform tailored strategies for inclusion and empowerment across varied local contexts.

The objective of the study is to examine the social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by African immigrant women and children in the Turku region of Finland, with a particular focus on eleven municipalities. Specifically, the study seeks to assess their current status, identify barriers to integration, and generate evidencebased recommendations that can inform local policies and community initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities.

Specific Objectives of the Study

To assess the current socioeconomic and cultural status of African immigrant women and children in the eleven municipalities of the Turku region.

To identify key challenges and barriers to integration, including access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services.

To examine the role of leadership, community networks, and local governance in shaping the experiences of African immigrant women and children.

To explore the impact of discrimination, racism, and social exclusion on the wellbeing and opportunities of African immigrant families.

To generate evidencebased recommendations for policymakers, municipalities, and community organizations aimed at promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equal participation.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses the living realities of African immigrant families within eleven municipalities of the Turku region, offering insights into both opportunities and challenges of integration. By documenting socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional barriers, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of how immigrant families navigate local systems of education, employment, healthcare, and social services.

At the policy level, the findings will provide evidence to strengthen municipal strategies in line with Finland’s national integration framework and the European Union’s broader objectives of inclusion, equality, and social cohesion. The study also highlights the importance of empowering immigrant women as community leaders, thereby advancing gender equality and sustainable development goals.

Moreover, by partnering together with Hyvä Varsin Ry Finland and funded by EU, it is envisaged that the research project will effectively connect grassroots realities with regional and international policy agendas. This ensures that the recommendations are not only academically robust but also practically applicable for policymakers, service providers, and community organizations committed to fostering inclusive societies in Finland and across Europe.

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