The influx of Columbian refugees is increasing population pressure and ethnic diversity in the northern Ecuadorian border region of Esmeraldas.

The public-benefit organisation Asociación Cultural Iberoamericana e.V. aims to help counteract tensions between the population groups and build a culture of peace. To do this, it is working in the region with the Centro de Estudios Migratorios, which is already active in this field. Through integrative workshops, the two organisations address first and foremost Colombian, Venezuelan and Ecuadorian women who have experienced violence and discrimination. Workshops on women’s rights, relevant laws and food sovereignty strengthen women’s selfesteem and teach them useful knowledge. It is easier to talk about stressful experiences when telling stories or creating photo collages.

Altogether, the course leaders have succeeded in reaching out to around 300 people. The project is funded by the Programme Migration & Diaspora on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).