Refugee women* are discriminated in the asylum process and excluded from integration by society. When they arrive here, they have endured unimaginable hardships: forced relocation, violence and a break with their culture of origin. These traumatic experiences leave deep wounds – on a physical as well as an emotional level. In this context, music is a powerful therapeutic tool that overcomes language and cultural barriers and provides comfort, resilience and hope.

Music is a universal language

Music is a universal language that is able to convey emotions that words alone cannot express. For refugee women who do not speak the language of the host country, music offers a means of expressing their pain, hope and identity.

Music therapy workshops not only create a safe space in which they can share their experiences, but also enable them to reconnect with cultural traditions that are threatened by exile. We organize the workshops with experts who have their own experience of migration and flight and invite refugee women from various camps in Brandenburg and Berlin.

The offers enable the women to gain a sense of belonging and to strengthen themselves in dealing with trauma in a protected environment. The special therapists and the music from the countries of origin enable the participants to preserve their cultural heritage.

Therapeutic benefits of music:

The music therapy offers to promote emotional and mental healing aimed especially at refugee women* who are confronted with trauma. Here are some of the most important benefits:

-Reduction of stress and anxiety: Music helps to calm the nervous system and induce a state of relaxation.

-Expression of emotions: By composing songs, singing or listening to suitable music, the participants can express suppressed emotions such as sadness or anger.

Boosting self-esteem: Participating in musical activities, such as playing an instrument or singing in front of a group, can boost self-confidence.

For refugee women living in isolation, singing or making music in a group promotes important social bonds. Many organizations around the world have launched music therapy programs to support refugee women. We, women in exile, have placed a focus on dance.

Our programs encourage women to dance their own songs, to find an expression that reflects their specific experiences. This promotes catharsis. This special way of healing or relieving trauma is very welcome, it also brings joy to the participants.