Discover the Treasure box: A Toolkit for empowerment and inclusion

The Treasure Box is an online platform developed within the WE-EMPOWER project, a 2.5-year transnational collaboration funded by the European Union through the ERASMUS+ programme. This initiative is dedicated to the active participation of migrant women in civic and democratic life across Europe. The Treasure Box is one of the central outcomes of this project—a carefully curated digital collection of non-formal educational materials, communication tools, and creative resources designed to support migrant women in developing the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to engage in public life fully.

Each resource in the Treasure Box has been developed by women-led and migrant women-led organisations from various European countries, reflecting the local contexts, challenges, and strengths of the communities they serve. These resources encompass a diverse range of formats, including podcasts, videos, presentations, documentaries, action guides, and artistic expressions. They are designed not only to inform but to inspire and mobilise, showcasing real-life examples of civic engagement and providing accessible tools for education and advocacy. Since the materials were created in different countries, many are presented in multiple languages, and language availability is marked to ensure ease of use.

The Treasure Box can be explored through a user-friendly interface, featuring filtering options that enable users to search by material type, theme, country of origin, or language. A search bar is also available for those looking to explore specific topics or keywords. Whether used by educators, trainers, civil society organisations, or migrant women themselves, the Treasure Box offers a rich and evolving repository of content that addresses key issues related to democratic participation, gender equality, anti-discrimination, and communication.

The development of the Treasure Box is rooted in the broader goals of the WE-EMPOWER initiative. It serves to empower migrant women by equipping them with tools to participate meaningfully in democratic processes, while also increasing their visibility and representation in civic and political spaces. At the same time, it aims to influence policy by engaging institutions and policymakers through real-life stories and evidence-based materials that highlight the lived experiences and contributions of migrant women. Another important aim is to foster community engagement, strengthening connections among migrant women and creating opportunities for mutual support through creative and inclusive educational methods. It also enhances the capacities of civil society organisations to use practical communication tools and media strategies tailored to the needs of migrant communities. Furthermore, the Treasure Box raises public awareness about the importance of migrant women’s civic engagement, offering practical guidance on how to support and facilitate their involvement.

The WE-EMPOWER project brings together a dynamic consortium of feminist and women-led civil society organisations from across Europe, all of which are members of the WIDE+ network. These partners include NGO Atina (Serbia), ADRI (Italy), Alianza por la Solidaridad (Spain), GABRIELA Germany, GADIP (Sweden), KULU (Denmark), ROWL (Romania), and Red Latinas (Spain). Each partner contributes its unique expertise and local knowledge, developing materials that reflect both national realities and transnational solidarity. Together, they work to promote gender equality, migrant rights, and inclusive democratic engagement by creating and disseminating resources, conducting research, and organising trainings and public events that bring migrant women's voices to the forefront of civic life in Europe.

Atina, as one of the partner organisations in the WE-EMPOWER consortium, contributes to this initiative by drawing from its long-standing work with survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence. Through its participation, Atina has developed and shared resources that focus on legal literacy, psychosocial support, and strategies for community integration and advocacy. These tools reflect the organisation’s commitment to inclusion, justice, and the promotion of human rights, particularly for migrant women navigating systems often marked by exclusion and inequality.

The WE-EMPOWER project brings together a diverse group of feminist and women-led civil society organisations from across Europe, each with its own expertise and local knowledge. These organisations, which are all part of the WIDE+ network, collaborate to create and share knowledge, practices, and strategies that promote the rights and participation of migrant women. Throughout the project, several studies have been conducted to assess political participation among migrant women in different countries. Based on these findings, training materials and tools have been developed and shared during international training sessions and multiplier events to reach a broader audience and enhance the project's impact.

The Treasure Box is not a static archive, but a living collection that continues to grow. New resources will be added throughout the project's life cycle, ensuring it remains relevant, responsive, and inclusive. By offering practical tools and inspiring examples, the Treasure Box encourages users to learn, engage, and take action. It is a space where knowledge meets action and where the voices and experiences of migrant women are not only acknowledged but amplified. Through the Treasure Box, the WE-EMPOWER initiative seeks to leave a lasting legacy of inclusion, visibility, and democratic participation.

You can access the Treasure Box through the following link:  https://we-empower-treasurebox.org/treasure-box/

This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the writers and participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.