Informal Meetings, Practical Impact: Women’s Cafés for Migrant Women

As part of the CeMeWE project, the Institute of Baltic Studies organized two “Women’s Café” events in Tallinn for women with migration backgrounds. The meetings offered an informal, supportive space to share experiences, gain practical knowledge, and build confidence around employment-related topics in Estonia. Each event brought together 15 participants, keeping the group small enough to encourage open discussion and peer connection.

The initial Women’s Café format is intentionally simple: a cozy café setting, coffee and refreshments, and guided conversation around a specific theme. A comfortable and neutral environment creates a perfect atmosphere for learning. Furthermore, participants can meet others in similar situations, discuss challenges and successes, and leave with new ideas, contacts, and motivation.

To start, the first café focused on job searching in Estonia. Women discussed common barriers in the employment process, exchanged practical tips and strategies, and reflected on how to apply their skills and move toward their professional goals in a new country.

Then the second café addressed the protection of labour rights in Estonia, a topic many participants considered essential for feeling more secure and confident at work. The programme included a presentation and Q&A session with Olga Vaarman, a lawyer working on refugee rights at the Estonian Human Rights Centre. She answered participants’ questions related to employment relationships and workplace situations.

Both events were free of charge and implemented within the INTERREG-funded CeMeWE project, which supports the development of migrants’ employability skills. This allowed the events to target the immigrant women, who truly need the support and encouragement to start or continue their professional journey.

Overall, the events passed successfully, as participant feedback was very positive. Women described the cafés as interesting and useful for their career journeys, highlighting the importance of a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences. Many expressed interest in participating in further events in the same format.

 This activity was supported as part of Project – Central Baltic Mentoring for Migrant Women seeking Employment – CeMeWE CB0100070, as Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project co-funded by the European Union.