Empowerment through bicycles

Many refugee women would like to become active in sports, but there are hardly any suitable sports programs for them. Various studies in Germany show that young and adult migrant women, especially Muslim women, are underrepresented in most sports and leisure programs. There are many reasons for this target group’s lack of participation: lack of a sense of belonging, cultural norms, family obligations, lack of access to information and facilities, lack of time, and high costs for sports programs. Suitable sports and health programs for this target group are scarce and mostly aimed at children, youth and men. Especially learning to ride a bicycle is a great desire of many women, as this was usually only allowed for men in their countries of origin. Through the bicycle courses of our partner organization JUNO, the participants first learn how to ride a bicycle. But that is by far not all: Through the exchange with the volunteer trainers, additional encounters at eye level are created. A varied accompanying program with various cooperation partners intensifies the exchange beyond the direct target groups (including the social and family environment).

The primary target group is girls and women with a refugee and migration background. Through participation in the project activities, however, their family members and circle of acquaintances are also reached indirectly. The second direct target group is the volunteer trainers, women with and without migration experience, mostly from the local population.

The project offers opportunity and space for encounter as well as exchange at eye level between people with and without migration and refugee experience, especially for women. The bicycle is the instrument to improve the social and spatial mobility of refugee women. For the participants, it is first about acquiring a skill: riding a bike. But at the same time, participation is promoted and the women’s self-image is strengthened. The measure “Belong & Explore” strengthens the inclusive network in Munich and sensitizes women and girls to further educational opportunities. Through close cooperation with Lufthansa, employees are involved and give workshops on various topics, such as the German vocational training system, study opportunities, job application training and coaching. Through positive role models from the community, the women and girls are introduced to STEM professions (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology) in particular and encouraged to take them up themselves if they are interested.

However, we still support many other projects in the region.
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