During this seminar held in Marseille on February 16, 2018, the discussion focused on the relationship between the academia and the associations and actors in the field. The participants discussed the interaction between research and action: how do we facilitate the transmission and sharing of precise and up-to-date knowledge of women’s situations as well as gender relations in order to make them accessible to all? 

The case study of migrant women consisted of identifying their diverse backgrounds: migration routes, life course, career paths. This seminar made it possible to learn about experiences of migrant women and representatives of associations specialized in integration, socio-professional orientation, training and the defense of migrant women’s rights. An analysis of recent developments in women’s migration has pointed out the difficulties faced by these women, but has also identified the resources and support available to them and has identified carefree areas that work offers them. The 35 participants emphasized the need for links between intellectual work, critical thinking and ongoing actions. 

The experience of institutions such as the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean - Mucem being at the interface between the academic world and the general public, allowed a reflection on good practices. For example, the possibility of collecting memorial heritage, discourse and daily feminine practices that are often invisible, that can nourish corpuses of research. Collaborations between young researchers and the Mucem can open perspectives around exhibitions on scientific issues developed by the academic world. 

The debate between representatives of the associative world and the research community was rich because several participants belonged to both of these worlds. The seminar showed the importance of confronting our references for instance when we consider cultural diversity and the universality of rights. In the same way it is important to erase our prejudices and to modify our language; thus, when we speak of 1st, 2nd, 3rd generations of immigrants we are contributing to maintaining in the migration framework people who have been living in a country for more than 40 years. 

The seminar is organized by the Euro-Mediterranean University and Scientific Network on Gender and Women (RUSEMEG) within the framework of the Axis 1 "Strengthening the capacities of equality actors" of the project “Women for the future in the Mediterranean”, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (MAEDI). It is in synergy with the mission of the Foundation and with the project "Developing Women’s Empowerment" labelled by the Union for the Mediterranean. 

The report of the seminar is available in the attached file below.