Equal Opportunities for Older Women
About the initiative Content and framework conditions Organisational background Back
Veranstaltungen für ältere Frauen des Arbeitskreises International e.V. (AKI) (Events for Older Women by the International Study Group, a Registered Charity)
Communicational details
Address:
Hafenweg 6-8
48155 Münster
Germany
Contact persons and their known foreign languages:
Fulya Yavuz, Director of the AKI, a Registered Charity, Turkish, English
Eric P. Sircar, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Urdu, Persian
Telephone: 0049-251-297351
Telefax: 0049-251-6065887
E-Mail:
Internet:
About the initiative
Status of the initiative: The initiative is an initiative aimed at improving equal opportunities for older women through an organisation that pursues objectives which are independent of gender or age.
The initiative has the dicisive support of the following organisation:
Arbeitskreis International e.V.
Address:
Hafenweg 6-8
48155 Münster
Germany
Telephone: 0049-251-297351
Telefax: 0049-251-6065887
E-Mail:
Internet:
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Content and framework conditions of the project work
The initiative was founded in: 1974
The initiative was founded because of the following reasons:

The International Study Group, a registered charity, was founded by young people to meet the urgent need to provide advice and counselling to immigrants.
Target group(s): The target group consists of both male and female immigrants. Many events are especially aimed at older female immigrants and older German women.
Targets: Advising and counselling on social and everyday problems, helping older women immigrants, presenting their cultures through information events, integrating the immigrants into society.
Details of the work done by the initiative:

We provide advice and counselling, offer legal aid, and work together with a range of government departments; we help complete paperwork, etc.
Offerings for older women include information events such as
- "The Life of Older Women in Different Cultures", together with the Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft zur Unterstützung Asysuchender e.V. (GGUA - Public Service Society for the Support of Asylum Seekers, a Registered Charity),
-"International discussion circle - an information afternoon for older women", together with the Altes Backhaus e.V. (Old Bake House, A Registered Charity),
-"Women and Mothers of our Time", together with the Altes Backhaus e.V.,
-"Women's pension problems, with special reference to the situation of immigrants", together with the GGUA,
-"Nursing care insurance: opportunities and limitations", together with the GGUA.
Areas of work of the initiative:
Care
Leisure/sport
Political participation
Social contacts
Education
Health
Migration
Living circumstances
Unemployment among women
Security/protection
Integration
Success that the initiative has achieved:

The information events are well attended. Both German and immigrant older women participate in the events. The women also take part in cross-generational events, festivals and breakfasts.
Problems that the initiative has been faced during its work:

We have both financial and staffing problems. Hitherto we have only been able to afford a single part-time worker to take care of all the AKI's work, and the need for counselling and advice is very great. Volunteer work is therefore crucial in meeting our obligations.
Participation of the target group concerning the conception, planning and implementation of the initiative's work:

Many activities, such as the cross-generational breakfast meetings and the senior citizens' meetings, are organised in part together with the target group. Often they are followed by discussions which deal with current topics of importance.
Co-operation:

Since 1974 we have been co-operating with the Deutscher Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband (DPWV - German Association of Equally Represented Welfare Organisations), with the Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft zur Unterstützung Asysuchender e.V. (GGUA - Public Service Society for the Support of Asylum Seekers, a Registered Charity), and since 1994 with the Altes Backhaus e.V. (Old Bake House, A Registered Charity). We work with the DPWV on organisational problems, with the GGUA on problems affecting immigrants, and with the Altes Backhaus e.V. in organising events, festivals, and trips.
Information:

We are available for people interested in receiving more information on our initiative by phone or post.
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Organisational background of the initiative
Staff:

1 salaried employees at the supporting organisation.
5 volunteers/honorary members.
The total number of hours worked for the initiative is approx. 120 hours per week.
Budget:

AKI has an annual budget of DM 70,000 (c. 35,000 Euro) for its entire range of activities (and also for the other target groups) at its disposal.
Sources of funding:
Local government funds (in F department)
Revenue from the project work
Members dues
Donations and funds from sponsors
Publications or information material available on our initiative:

Press articles, notices of events and an information sheet.
Recommended literature:

Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege: "Vorgestellt" Alte Migranten in Deutschland
Andrea Baumgartner-Karabak/Gisela Landesberger: Die verkauften Bräute/Türkische Frauen zwischen Kreuzberg und Anatolien, RoRoRo 1988
Tips and suggestions for people interested in foundig a similar initiative:

It is important to plan properly and to respect the wishes and interests of the immigrant women. Our offerings should suit their needs, take into account and include distinctive social and cultural customs, and promote tolerance. Co-operation with other organisations is very beneficial. The participants should be friendly and ready to help.
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2001-04-25