The number of people who currently have to leave their country because of threats to their lives has no precedent since the Second World War. In the last decade there has been an increase in forced migration resulting from armed conflict, extreme violence, instability and political repression. The traumatizing effect of forced migration, resulting from armed conflict or repression, is twofold: victimization in the country of origin and difficulties of acceptance and adaptation in the host country. In the case of women, there is an identification of victims without agency – as women and as migrants – which leaves a narrow margin for social and political participation.

This event has been organized by ICIP as part of the program of the third edition of the Barcelona Biennial of Thought. It seeks to point out that, given the loss of social and human capital in the countries of origin, and the lack of recognition in host societies, it is necessary to identify and highlight what migrants and exiles do and can do to contribute to peace. It is particularly important to recognize women in the diaspora as agents of change, with their own voice and leadership.

Through specific cases, such as those of Colombia, Syria and Ukraine, we will highlight several participatory peacebuilding experiences of women in the diaspora, emphasizing the importance of art and culture as tools for social healing and transformation. The event will feature the participation of María del Rosario Vásquez, from the Colombian diaspora, member of the Catalonia Node in support of the Truth Commission of Colombia; Anna Slizinova, from the Ukrainian diaspora and founder of Unlock Art; and an activist from the Syrian diaspora. The event will be moderated by Sílvia Plana, member of ICIP’s “Memory, Coexistence and Reconciliation” team.

The documentary short Para volverte a ver will be screened during the event. This film, produced by ICIP and Mandorla Films, is about the participation of victims abroad in the Truth Commission of Colombia. There will also be a musical performance by one of the participants, soprano Anna Slizinova.

The event will take place at the Sant Gervasi-Joan Maragall Library on Thursday 20 October at 6:30pm.

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