Project presentation
In France, refugee women and asylum seekers face specific obstacles in accessing higher education and employment: disrupted educational trajectories, social isolation, language barriers, and discrimination related to both gender and migration status. These challenges exacerbate their economic precariousness and severely limit their long-term autonomy.
Since 2020, the association UniR – Universités & Réfugié.e.s has been developing the Intercultur’elles program, a mentoring initiative dedicated to refugee women that supports their return to education, French language learning, and socio-professional integration. The program pairs refugee women with local mentors to strengthen their confidence, improve access to professional networks, and increase understanding of French academic and professional norms.
In 2025, the association experienced a 40% decrease in its historical funding, putting the continuity of its activities under pressure. Despite implementing significant structural measures—cost reductions, closure of the Lyon branch, and reorganization of activities—UniR continues to support a growing number of refugee women seeking in-person training and individualized guidance.
Support from the emergency fund contributes to sustaining the Intercultur’elles program, particularly by securing the position dedicated to its coordination, thereby allowing the continuation of essential support for women who are especially vulnerable to economic and social inequalities.
