Women Migrants Come Together for International Women’s Day

Warsaw, Poland – A diverse group of women gathered at the Multicultural Center in Warsaw on March 8, 2026, to mark International Women's Day through a focused and community-driven event organized by the European Network of Filipino Diaspora - Poland (ENFiD-Poland) and the Humanitarian Organization of Pinoys in Europe (HOPE) Foundation. The event marked the first joint initiative of the two organizations for the year and brought together migrant women from the Philippines, Poland, Kenya, Iran, Syria, Colombia, and other communities.

It was a small but meaningful space where every woman felt seen and acknowledged. Each one was recognized for her achievements and for the journey behind them. Stories were shared openly, and conversations flowed easily - creating a sense of connection that felt natural from the start.

The event opened with a simple icebreaker that set the tone for the gathering. Women were invited to respond to a series of statements reflecting the many roles they play in their busy, meaningful lives. Some are eldest daughters who have long taken on responsibilities at home. Others are building lives in a country far from where they were born and raised - supporting families across borders while adapting to a new culture. Many are working in domiciliary care, healthcare, and community sectors. Others are studying, restarting, or forging new career paths.

There are women who are balancing work and family life, helping fellow migrants find their footing, and learning to set boundaries and take care of themselves. Some are holding on to dreams they are still fulfilling with hard work and passion - while others are quietly proud of how far they have come in life. The range of experiences shared by everyone in the room reflects the challenges met with strength and determination by these women living and working away from their homelands.

As the women openly shared their personal, inspiring stories, it became clear that the magnitude of the load each woman carries with courage and dignity is an honourable achievement. The activity created a moment of recognition - experiences overlapped, and a sense of understanding swept across the room. It allowed participants to see parts of themselves in others - building connections without the need for long introductions.

One of the directors of ENFiD Poland, Anarose Panaga, opened the program by sharing her own story. She spoke about arriving in Poland six years ago and taking on different jobs along the way before finding her niche in teaching. Looking back on her remarkable journey, she described it as something she had to fight for. She underscored, “I didn’t just find my place in Poland; I fought for it - one small, brave ‘yes’ at a time in a wave of a thousand, deflating ‘noes'!" Her story reflects the reality many migrants face - filled with uncertainty, adjustment, and persistence. At the same time, it gives hope by showing that growth is possible even when the path seems unclear from the beginning. 

A guest speaker from Kenya, Pascalia H. Nyamita, continued the conversation by sharing her own special and unique journey as a migrant in Poland. She introduced the concept of "Ubuntu" - the idea that our humanity is shaped through others. She spoke about how her work now involves leading workshops centered on this message of connection and shared humanity. Nyamita also shared her experience as a TED Talk speaker - reflecting on how her story continues to reach wider audiences and inspire others beyond the communities she directly engages with.

"Ubuntu" resonated deeply with Filipino participants who shared the concept of "Kapwa" - a sense of shared identity and belongingness. Despite coming from different cultures, the message felt familiar - women supporting women - understanding each other and finding strength in community. The exchange of these ideas created a moment of cultural connection that strengthened the shared purpose of the gathering.

Both speakers addressed the realities faced by migrant women - including social and structural challenges, as well as experiences of discrimination. These reflections were grounded in lived experience and spoke to the realities many in the room continue to navigate. At the same time, the discussions emphasised on resilience, achievement, and the importance of building supportive communities which allow women to grow and support one another.

The gathering also highlighted cultural exposure through food. The HOPE Foundation offered Filipino delicacies, including puto, which quickly became a favorite among guests. The soft rice cakes sparked curiosity and conversation - especially around ube and its distinct color and flavor. This small gesture added another layer of connection - allowing participants to engage with Filipino culture in a relaxed and welcoming way.

The event concluded with informal discussions - enabling the attendees to continue tell their authentic stories and strengthen connections. Many stayed beyond the program - took time to speak with one another, shared experiences, and built relationships. The event reinforced the importance of safe and inclusive spaces for migrant women where shared experiences can lead to stronger networks and continued support.

As the first joint initiative of ENFiD Poland and HOPE Foundation for 2026, the event set the tone for future collaborations aimed at supporting and empowering Filipino and migrant communities across Poland.