Asylum-seeking women in our English classes at Women for Refugee Women have been discussing what the upcoming election means to them. Refugee and migrant women in the UK often do not have the right to vote, and yet are affected by laws and policies decided in Westminster. This election, let’s not forget those women whose voices are too often not heard.
Intersectional Feminism group: Prioritise our safety, dignity and liberty
By Haje Keli, volunteer Intersectional Feminism group facilitator
The main debates of the upcoming general election on 12 December centre around Brexit and the future of the NHS. These are crucial issues that are at the core of what matters to most of those who live in the UK. But while these issues are dominating attention, the struggles of those pushed to the margins of society, such as asylum-seeking women, are being overlooked.
Among the countless media pieces, television segments and tweets on what the UK public wants from its next government there has been little mention of how the policy proposals of the various parties may affect refugee and asylum-seeking women, let alone what changes these women themselves need or want. It is possible to be concerned about healthcare and the consequences of a possible Brexit and also to listen to and stand in solidarity with refugee and asylum-seeking women.
Every Monday during term time, a group of over 20 women gather at the Women for Refugee Women spaces to discuss topics that are relevant to their lives and overall life in the UK. The Intersectional Feminism group enables women to improve their already advanced English language skills, and to engage critically with current events and political and social theories. We have built a trusting environment in which women of a broad range of ages and backgrounds can discuss their experiences and opinions.
During a recent session about the election, the women discussed the issues important to them and that they hope the next government will address. The women insisted that they wanted a more equal British society. They mentioned how poverty, racism and misogyny were becoming increasingly visible to them. The women want to see a more equal world, in which the most vulnerable members of our communities are treated fairly and are able to access opportunities.
More specific to their own experiences, the women wished that people seeking asylum were granted better rights and that the waiting time for a decision on their asylum claim would be reduced. “Many of us have been here for years with no end in sight,” one woman lamented. Most of the women suggested that they should be granted the right to work while waiting for a decision on their claims. One young woman explained how she felt she had lost years of her life feeling invisible and wasting her skills while waiting for a decision on her asylum claim. All of the women agreed that if they were allowed to work they could contribute to society and be able to start rebuilding their lives.
The women also called for a fairer asylum process. They wished to receive increased support and better housing while waiting for a decision on their application. Women in the group also wanted to be able to access more guidance on opportunities to study while seeking asylum. They also hoped the new government would not deport those who have been denied asylum in the UK, because so often women’s asylum claims are wrongly refused. Women need to be given a fair hearing so that better decisions can be made on their initial asylum claim.
Finally, the most crucial point the participants made was their plea to whoever forms the next government to make their lives safer in the UK. One woman interjected that when women are not protected, they become at risk of abuse and exploitation. They fear being abused, coerced and subjected to violence because perpetrators know that there are rarely consequences to hurting women with insecure immigration status. The women all agreed with this point, which sadly confirms with the initial point of this article, that refugee and asylum-seeking women’s rights and wishes are not a current political priority.
The participants of the intersectional feminism group hope that the new government considers and addresses their needs in the larger discussion of what is crucial for the future of the United Kingdom.
Intermediate English Class: Real change is possible
By Jane Coles, volunteer English teacher
Each week our Intermediate English class focuses on improving refugee women’s English language skills whilst learning about culture, sharing stories and encouraging one another. For the past two weeks we have been looking at the topic of politics, the general election and Brexit.
These topics are often not accessible for many of the women in the class, especially those who are not fluent English speakers. British politics in mass media tends to be surrounded by alienating language, unclear intentions and an unwillingness to break down barriers to include diverse voices in the conversation. When faced with these topics, the women in our class spoke loud and clear on their views for the British political system and the upcoming general election. Here is what they had to say:
We asked the women in our class “Why do you think it is important to vote?”
“It’s important to vote if you want something to change!” – Sisika
“It is important to vote to fulfill your human rights. It is also important to vote to get the party that has the general public interest at heart with positive mission and vision.” – Abi
“To have your say in what’s going on with everyday life” – Cordel
When asked what policies were most important to them, the women spoke overwhelmingly to promote policies that champion equality. They expressed their frustration with policies that have become increasingly hostile towards people who have crossed borders in search of safety, and wished for better housing and healthcare.
“Peace of mind and good health with somewhere to live comfortably whilst avoiding the hostile environment gives a healthy community” – Abi
“Equal rights. More opportunities for black communities, access for those with disabilities. They can give every living person equal rights” – Angela
“Equality! Just equality!” – Christina
Many of the women in our class are not able to vote themselves, which made them feel a sense of hopelessness that their voices cannot be heard in this election. They urged the voting public to consider their views and vote for policies that promote equality. The women in our group feel strongly that real change is possible.