“The AER Observatory on Migrant Women is born” announced Michèle Sabban, Vice-President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and of the Region Ile-de-France (F), at the Conference on Equal Opportunities for Men and Women, in Timis County (RO). It follows two days of debates with international and local experts, where an in-depth consideration of the special issues concerning the integration of migrant women was taken*, the AER has decided to take action. The AER Observatory will stand for integration, for giving the regions the tools they need to help migrant women express their cultural identity, gain their place in the economy and society of the host country and contribute to its diversity, Michèle Sabban added.

The AER Observatory on Migrant Women has a two-fold action plan:

Firstly, to collect and disseminate expertise and best practice on how regions can best respond to the needs of migrant women. A web portal will be created on the AER website with examples from regions, NGOs and institutions active in this area.

Secondly, to help the regions understand the specific needs of migrant women and create the necessary conditions for their successful integration. A network of experts will be established, to act as a think tank for AER and regional policy in this area.

The regions of Ile-de-France and Limousin (F), Friuli Venezia Giulia (I), Valencia (E) and Timis (RO) will constitute the Steering Committee of the AER Observatory.

For more information: [email protected]