The empowerment of users of the support system is one of the central working approaches of women's shelter work. Project "Complaint management for quality development in women's shelters" Since April 2019, FHK has been supporting women's shelters in the process of developing participatory and empowering structures. With the online conference "Participatory Approaches in Women's Shelter Work - Opportunities and Challenges" on October 14, 2021, FHK presented findings from practical testing to the public and entered into an exchange with professionals in the support system on
The complete program of the conference is here The event was held digitally with around 80 participants and documented via graphic recording.
Heike Herold, Managing Director of the Women's Shelter Coordination Office, will open the conference with a few welcoming remarks. Anita Hüseman will moderate the discussion. A short survey will follow: "What is your role?" and "Which federal state are you joining us from today?" The first session will be led by process facilitators Elke Hilgenböcker and Andreas Bethmann. They will report on their support of the four women's shelters in setting up a model internal complaint management system. They emphasize that unstructured participation already exists in practice in some cases. It is therefore important to make such processes visible and test what works.
This is followed by exciting insights into the work processes of the employees of the respective women's shelters participating in the one-year training course: "The Welcome Folder - Neustadt Women's Shelter", "Project Overview and Experiences of the Saarbrücken Model Location" and "Children's Participation, the Children's Conference in the Women's Shelter in the SkF".
In breakout rooms, participants have time to exchange ideas about the framework conditions for participation in their work in practice.
After the lunch break, Prof. Dr. Beate Blank will report on research findings on the long-term effects of empowerment processes for formerly homeless women, using the example of a participatory project house. Participation can be viewed as a central professional, legally enshrined principle. The focus here is on different forms of power, the will to participate, and empowering structures. Prof. Dr. Beate Blank will explain the various levels of possible participation using a participation pyramid. She will explain the story of the mermaid who learns to fly and point out the importance of coping optimism.
In breakout rooms, participants have time to exchange ideas about possible spaces for successful participation.
A staff member and two former residents of the OranjeHuis of the Blijf Groep, Netherlands, will present the concept of the residents' council. They will explain how the council came about, what options are available, and report on the goals already achieved. The subsequent Q&A session will provide an opportunity for discussion. How is the residents' council financed? How can the concept be implemented in smaller accommodations? How much interest is there among residents in getting involved in the council? The speakers will close the conference with a plea: for starting small, in the living room over a cup of coffee. For the courage to make a start.
The following federal associations are members of the Women’s Shelter Coordination Association
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