At the meeting on September 26, organized by LEFÖ’s psychological counselling centre, a space was created where women* could meet each other and continue building their networks in Austria. We spent a very pleasant afternoon with music, food, and meaningful reflections!
Despite our differences, the experience of migration is something that unites us all. Precisely for that reason, empathy for each other’s experiences allows us to share a deep sense of connection. No matter how successful migration may appear, every migration involves a loss and, with it, the need to process grief. This loss leaves an emptiness that was once filled by family and friends in our countries of origin. And such as a spider spinning its web in the void, this space of absence—together with openness to new life experiences—can become a driving force for the creation of something new.
During the last gathering, reflections on our own experiences arose quite naturally. Some of them were: How is friendship lived in our countries of origin, and how have we experienced it ourselves? How does the understanding of friendship differ in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, or Argentina? And what do we think about how friendships are understood in Austria? Are the same frequency, intimacy, or unconditionality expected in relationships here? Using the same word does not necessarily mean it carries the same meaning. Cultural differences also bring different ways of understanding and normalizing how relationships are built; that is, differences in what is considered appropriate, logical, or expected.
We filled questions such as these and more with meaning—through examples from our life experiences, with advice, encouraging words, and much affection. For many women*, the gathering was a symbolic embrace that offered emotional comfort on their journey in this country.