Delivered by Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures Northern Ireland (MSCNI), and supported by a £4,895 grant from the Housing Executive, the vibrant event brought people together for an evening of music, dance, food and panel discussions led by women and girls from local, ethnic minority, migrant and refugee communities.
As part of a month-long programme of workshops, the showcase was the culmination of a project created to tackle barriers faced by participants including racism and social isolation.
Jahswill Emmanuel, founder and CEO of MSCNI, said: “Over the course of the last month we have hosted a series of structured workshops exploring sport, culture, promoting mental health awareness and teaching leadership skills.
“These workshops were well attended by women from Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Singapore, Kuwait and local Northern Ireland communities.
“Our project showed what happens when women and girls are given safe spaces to speak, to move, and to celebrate who they are.
“Empowerment through sport and culture doesn’t just change individuals, it strengthens families, builds confidence in young people, and creates more welcoming, connected communities.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Housing Executive for its support in making this happen.
Lisa Hull, Good Relations Officer at the Housing Executive, added: “It was great to attend the cultural showcase and see the positive impact of MSCNI’s work in bringing women and girls together.
“We’re proud to support this project, which builds better understanding and creates stronger, more inclusive communities through the promotion of culture and sport.”
