The Counseling Center was once again able to be part of an international professional exchange. This time, female university professors and students from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania were guests in Vienna for a week. In various programs, the visitors dealt with European history, women’s issues and migration. Bryn Mawr is a traditional women’s university that was founded in the 19th century to provide women with academic access that was often denied to them at the time.

The meeting at migrant focused on migration in Austria, our experiences from counseling work and, in particular, the question of which issues are particularly evident at the interface between women and migration. The exchange offered space to present our work, provide insights into everyday counseling and discuss challenges, developments and necessary support structures.

Such encounters are particularly valuable for us. They show that migrant is also recognized beyond Austria as a discussion and practice partner and that our experiences are of interest in international contexts. At the same time, they highlight the importance of networking, knowledge transfer and mutual learning in the field of migration.

Around March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day, migrant was represented at the Vienna Women’s Week 2026 and was able to experience many beautiful, empowering moments. The Open City Hall in particular provided a visible and lively setting to focus on women, their issues and their commitment.

In addition, workshops were also organized last week by women from our community, creating space for exchange, encounters and mutual support. Such formats are particularly valuable because they not only provide information, but also strengthen community and make women visible in their diversity.

For migrant, these days are an important sign: for cohesion, participation and the strengthening of women’s rights in everyday life. We are delighted that we were able to be part of this week and would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment, their presence and the many inspiring ideas.

The Vienna Women’s Week 2026 is a city-wide series of events around International Women’s Day in March and stands for equality, visibility and empowerment of women* in Vienna. Numerous organizations, initiatives and advisory services are participating with a diverse programme of workshops, lectures, information and exchange formats. The aim is to empower women in different life situations, facilitate access to information and create spaces for networking.

The Women’s Advice Center for Migrants is also part of Women’s Week 2026 and is contributing its many years of expertise in working with women with migration experience. It provides targeted impetus with three thematic focuses:

As part of “Neustart mit Perspektive für Frauen”, the team provides information on labour market integration, training and further education opportunities, recognition of qualifications and the legal and social framework. Women receive guidance and specific information to help them develop new professional and personal prospects.

The event “Migration and trauma” is dedicated to the effects of experiences of flight, violence and migration on mental well-being. The focus here is on psychosocial stabilization, promoting resilience and information on further support services. The aim is to create understanding, make resources visible and encourage women to seek support.

Under the title “Paths to a self-determined future”, strategies and resources for strengthening self-determination, personal responsibility and social participation will be presented. The focus is on empowerment, decision-making skills and building sustainable prospects for the future.

With its contribution to the Vienna Women’s Week, the Women’s Counseling Service creates low-threshold access to information and advice, promotes networking and exchange and sends a clear signal for the empowerment of women with migration experience in Vienna.

The Vienna Action Plan against Racism 2025 is a comprehensive program of the City of Vienna to prevent and combat racism in all its forms. It was adopted by the Vienna City Council in October 2025 and is aimed at both the city administration and the entire Viennese population in order to strengthen social cohesion and actively counteract discrimination.

Vienna sees itself as a city of diversity, in which people of different origins live and participate equally. The action plan starts where racist discrimination can occur: from data collection and monitoring to information and support for those affected to equal opportunities in the labor market, housing and education. It sets out clear areas for action and shows how Viennese politicians and administrators intend to tackle these challenges in the future.

The central objectives include

• Establishment of a monitoring and solidarity network to prevent and combat racism.

• Promotion of information and support services for people who experience discrimination.

• Strengthening equal opportunities in the labor market and in the city’s role as an employer.

• Ensuring non-discriminatory services and promoting a culturally diverse urban society.

• Promoting equal educational opportunities and intercultural understanding through education and upbringing.

• Expansion of conflict management services for respectful coexistence in public spaces.

The plan was developed in a broad-based process together with municipal authorities and civil society organizations and is based on the current status of measures and recommendations for future activities.