Migrant Women Are Taking the Mic — And the Bylines
Our first-ever print issue by Migrant Women Press.
Hey Readers,
When I started Migrant Women Press, I had one clear purpose: to ensure migrant women own their stories and their bylines.
Now, that vision is in print. Our first-ever magazine delivers powerful, necessary journalism on one of the most pressing global issues we face today: gender-based violence.
Told by women from India, Pakistan, Lebanon, the UK, the U.S., and beyond, these stories are uncompromising, urgent, and profoundly human.
Next, we’re launching a fellowship to support 15 emerging migrant women and women of colour in journalism. The fellowship will offer tailored training, mentorship, and paid opportunities to publish original stories that confront urgent issues and explore real solutions.
Stand with us and support our fellowship by donating today. Help build a future where migrant women lead the storytelling that defines our world.
With gratitude,
🗣 MWP Updates
Our First-Ever Print Magazine is Out — and Our Crowdfunding Campaign is Live!
We launched our first-ever print magazine, and it was a hit.
On May 3rd, we celebrated this milestone with a vibrant event at the Community Newsroom in Glasgow, where our team, freelancers, collaborators, and partners came together to celebrate and reflect on why this work mattersWe gathered to reaffirm our mission: championing migrant women in media, amplifying unheard voices, and creating space for stories that drive change.
As part of the celebration, we kicked off our ongoing crowdfunding campaign, which will be running until the end of July. We also hosted a panel featuring writers involved in our campaign against gender-based violence, who spoke about their pieces and the urgent need to continue this work.
The conversation didn’t stop there — we also held a virtual discussion with contributors based in India, Pakistan, Lebanon, and the UK, spotlighting gender-based violence as a global issue and the role of storytelling in driving awareness and change.
We’re just getting started — and we need your support. Donate £25 today and get our debut print issue delivered to your door. Your support fuels our fellowship programme and helps migrant women share the stories the world needs to hear.
👉 Support the campaign. Be part of something bold, beautiful, and necessary.
🗣 MWP Latest Stories
Sometimes, Emotion Has No Voice: How my immigrant grandparents gave me everything without showing emotions.
By Aurélia Gervasoni
Belgian poet and writer Aurélia Gervasoni explores what it means to be raised by immigrant grandparents who rarely used words to express affection but passed on something much deeper. Through quiet gestures and resilient routines, they offered her everything they had.
Hostile by Design: Why the UK’s immigration Policy Fuels Exploitation in Social Care.
By Kezia Pugh
Behind the UK’s crumbling care sector are thousands of migrant women.
They hold it up while being held down by an immigration system designed to exploit. PhD candidate in Sociology Kezia Pugh explores how hostile migration policies trap care workers in debt, abuse and uncertainty — even as their labour remains essential.
🗞 Exploring Migration, Gender, and Race in the News
The National: Europe’s first museum of contemporary Palestinian art opens in Edinburgh: The Palestine Museum Scotland has opened in Edinburgh, showcasing contemporary Palestinian art to highlight culture, identity, and resilience. Featuring works from Gaza and the diaspora, the volunteer-run museum aims to counter dehumanising narratives through powerful visual storytelling.
Black Ballad: It’s Giving Enoch Powell 2025: Labour’s Immigration Stance Is A Betrayal To Us All: The writer Jamila Pereira compares Labour’s new immigration policies to the rhetoric of Enoch Powell, calling it a betrayal of the migrant communities that hold Britain together. From extended settlement waits to cuts in care worker visas and harsher deportation rules, the white paper is seen as a dangerous shift toward scapegoating Black and brown migrants. Pereira argues that while the government deflects blame, it’s migrants, not the wealthy or powerful, who continue to bear the true cost of Britain’s political failures.
Borderless Magazine: What to Know About Deportation Proceedings: Since returning to office, President Trump has intensified immigration crackdowns, deporting over 139,000 people and introducing sweeping policy changes. Deportation proceedings begin when ICE suspects someone is “removable,” followed by detention, a court hearing, and potential legal defences like asylum or cancellation of removal. Experts stress knowing your rights, like remaining silent and hiring a lawyer—and urge immigrants to seek legal help early, as due process is a right for all, regardless of status.
Unbias The News: Faith and finances: The religious communities providing a lifeline for immigrants: Religious communities across Europe are playing a crucial role in supporting immigrants as they navigate the challenges of resettlement. From food banks in London funded by Islamic Zakat to job networks within Sikh student societies and social aid offered by Pentecostal churches in Portugal, faith-based initiatives are filling gaps left by shrinking public support. These communities provide not just material help, but also a sense of belonging, spiritual guidance, and access to professional networks, empowering immigrants to build new lives while staying connected to their cultural and religious roots.
Documented: Why It’s So Hard for Latinos to Keep Spanish Alive in the U.S.: Many U.S.-born Latinos struggle to maintain Spanish at home due to social stigma, school pressures, and anti-immigrant sentiment. A growing number are now trying to reclaim the language as part of their identity, despite challenges like limited bilingual education and judgment from both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. As families navigate generational language shifts, many see preserving Spanish as an act of cultural pride and resistance.
📣 Opportunities, Events, and More!
Job: Funding Officer: Advancing Racial Justice Fund (Scotland): The Robertson Trust is looking for someone with lived experience, anti-racist knowledge and understanding and a track record of working with Black and PoC community organisations to help them meet their mission of preventing and reducing poverty and trauma in Scotland.
To apply, email recruitment@therobertsontrust.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter explaining why you want to work for The Robertson Trust and how you are suited to the person specification for this role, along with a completed equality monitoring form. Deadline Monday, 16th June.Applications Now Open for The Refugee Fellows Program 2025-2026: Refugees International’s year-long fellowship supports refugee leaders with tools and resources to amplify displaced voices and lead impactful advocacy in their communities. More info here.
Telma Matilda Alves Foundation is currently looking for a Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees. This remote, volunteer role requires just 2 hours per month and is ideal for someone with financial expertise who is passionate about mental health, racial justice, and community care. More info is available at thelmatildaalvesfoundation@gmail.com.
Event: Disrupting Disinformation with Community Journalism (Online): In this 90-minute online workshop, civic media scholar and journalist Dr. Cirien Saadeh explores how community journalism can act as a frontline defence against disinformation. Get your tickets here.
MWP Selection: What We’re Reading, Watching, and Listening To
🎙️ Our founder was invited by Bylines Scotland Radio to speak about Migrant Women Press journey. Listen here.
🎥 Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a movie based on the true story of an immigrant mother from India who embarks on a fierce custody battle when Norwegian authorities take her children away from her. Available on Netflix.
📚 Global Refuge created a selection of 21 must-read books about immigration.
✨ Quote of the Month
“When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision — then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
— Audre Lore
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Congratulations on getting the print issue out! 🎉📰