Network for women with a migration background and/or BIWoC in politics

Exchange of experiences and ideas

The fact is: women with a migration background are underrepresented at all levels of politics. As a result, their perspectives, lived realities, and needs are missing from political decision-making. One way to change this is through the mutual exchange of experiences and ideas—within a protected environment. For this reason, EAF Berlin initiated Germany's first safer space for women with a migration background and/or BIWoC in politics in 2023: the We Belong Network. In regular digital meetings, the community of over 180 participants exchanges ideas across party lines and throughout Germany. In addition, the We Belong Network offers participants opportunities such as rhetoric training and exchanges with role models from the political sphere.

Respect and togetherness in the "We Belong" network

Women with a migration background in politics have experiences that men and members of the majority society do not. We need spaces where people can exchange ideas without fear of competitiveness or power plays. Community, empowerment, safer space: the network is intended to be a place of respect, unbiased and non-partisan solidarity, and appreciation. We do not tolerate sexism, racism, or any other forms of discrimination.
Empowerment and the exchange of experience and knowledge for the political context are at the forefront. For example, there has been professional input in the form of rhetoric training on political communication and on empowerment strategies against online hate. Another goal is to benefit from the experiences of other politically active women who face similar challenges and to exchange ideas and best-practice examples on how more women with a migration background can be represented at the local level and in parliaments. So far, key topics have included how to stay politically engaged despite setbacks and how to celebrate one's own diversity more, combined with the question: What comes after visibility?

Successful network work

With success: Participants emphasized that the network motivates and strengthens them, and that they want to become even more active at various political levels or act as multipliers.

“After participating, I realized once again how important it is that we are not only active, but also become more visible! I feel encouraged to become more active in my community.”

“Women with a migration background are structurally disadvantaged and excluded from political processes. We therefore need networks that empower women with a migration background, boost their self-confidence, and provide a space for networking to learn from one another and see that we are not alone in our experiences.”

“Especially in these times, community and connection are so important! Spaces for encouragement, connection, and mutual support are vital. Such initiatives are lived self-care for social change.”

Who is the network for?

Our offerings are aimed at women with a migration background and/or BIWoC (Black, Indigenous, Women of Color) or similar positionings who are involved in politics. We want to offer a safer space to women who experience racism. We are aware that the positionings of our target group are heterogeneous and we want to open the space for various self-identifications. By women, we mean all individuals who identify as women. We are open to everyone who sees themselves as part of the target group, shares our understanding, and is interested in getting to know the network.

Dates

Would you like to be informed about all upcoming events? Then sign up here for our We Belong mailing list.

The upcoming dates for 2026 are currently being planned and will be announced here and on Instagram.

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