Art, Sewing And Discussions: Valletta Event Explores Realities Of Gender-Based Violence During Migration

A local NGO has launched an event set on exploring the realities of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) experienced during the migration process through art, sewing, poetry and more.
Connecting the Dots: Migration, Gender Justice and EU Solidarity is a free event that will be open to all. It was organised by local NGO TAMA in collaboration with Bridging Borders which is a coalition made up of 10 EU NGOs.
This dynamic event specifically highlights sexual gender-based violence in the context of migration—creating a vital platform to educate, raise awareness, and start difficult but necessary conversations around this often overlooked issue.
Through a thought-provoking programme of activities, TAMA aims to bring a critical but compassionate eye to EU solidarity, examining responses at both individual and state levels to identify gaps and opportunities for meaningful improvement.
The event weaves together the creative energy of artists, the passionate voices of activists, and the lived experiences of community members to explore crucial themes that affect us all.
It will take place on 24th May at the Valletta Design Cluster between 10am and 8pm. It will feature music, storytelling, psychological, sewing and dance workshops.
A panel discussion will follow and will be joined by high-profile activists and community leaders exploring EU solidarity in the context of migration and SGBV, with a special focus on Malta’s role and responsibilities.
There will also be a film screening of powerful original documentaries of lived experiences in Malta, followed by a Q&A session with the protagonist who shares their story directly with the audience.
The day will close with a “safe space for reflection and networking” where attendees can connect with like-minded individuals committed to social change.
In the lead-up to this event, Lovin Malta interviewed six people who have either experienced or witnessed horrific gender-based violence through the migration process.
Stay tuned for the full interviews.
Founded in 2020, TAMA is a women-led voluntary organisation tackling SGBV in Malta, with a particular focus on those with migration experiences. What distinguishes TAMA is its foundation—a multicultural team where many members bring direct lived experience to their professional expertise. This practical knowledge informs their comprehensive approach, which spans trauma-informed well-being services, creative community-building initiatives, educational trauma-informed training for front-line workers, and strategic advocacy with policymakers.
TAMA’s work addresses concrete gaps in Malta’s support systems through targeted services: trauma-informed health support for SGBV survivors, art-based social engagement programmes that facilitate healing, educational workshops on equality and inclusion, and capacity building with both government and non-governmental partners.
By connecting survivors directly with decision-makers, TAMA ensures that policy discussions are grounded in reality rather than theory. Their effectiveness comes from this pragmatic combination of frontline support and systemic change—building pathways for survivors to move from vulnerability to empowerment while simultaneously addressing the structural issues that perpetuate violence.
There are limited spots so click here to register.