Mental health is closely linked to social conditions, life situation, financial conditions and family relationships. Moving to a new country entails the loss of social networks, and for many also the loss of the feeling of mastery in everyday life.

Many of our users come from countries with war and poverty, have stayed in refugee camps and often carry traumatic experiences in addition to loss. Other consequences of the migration process can be the feeling of disappointment, isolation, disqualification, insecurity, communication problems, encountering prejudices and changed living situation. (bosituasjon).

For the younger generation, e.g. questions of identity and cultural affiliation seem mentally stressful. Generational conflicts and identity confusion, or just the exhaustion that switching between different identities and codes of interaction can lead to, means that many minority women – young and old – are unable to become part of a social network, or are unable to maintain the networks they becomes a natural part of through going to school / work.

In recent years, we have noticed an increasing number of specific inquiries concerning mental health, both from users themselves and from parts of the public support system that are in contact with minority girls and women. Migration experience, difficult economic conditions, a marginalized relationship with working life, discrimination and feelings of inferiority in society are all factors that can have a negative effect on the mental health of children, girls and women with a minority background.

The MiRA Center works to ensure that young girls, women and children with a minority background find strength in their own background and experience tolerance and acceptance of their social, religious and cultural identities both within their own environments and in society at large.

Based on our broad contact surface, our cultural and professional competence and long experience, the MiRA Center is both a knowledge base and a bridge-builder between young girls and older generations, between various agencies in the public assistance system and between the support system and minority women and girls themselves. We can offer legal assistance, practical assistance in many different issues, therapy conversations and individual counseling, social activities and a broad social network.

If you want to get in touch with us or participate in any of our offers and activities, contact us on post@mirasenteret.no

Do you work closely with young girls and women with a minority background? The MiRA Center is a knowledge bank on various minority issues and offers courses, lectures and consulting services based on our areas of expertise. If you want to hear more about these offers, please contact us on post@mirasenteret.no