Financial distress: women's centers in Lower Saxony on the verge of extinction!

Financial distress: women's centers in Lower Saxony on the verge of extinction!

The situation in the women's centers of the initial reception centers in Lower Saxony is alarming. As ndr.de reports, the existence of the facilities in Oldenburg, Bramsche, Osnabrück, Friedland and Braunschweig is in danger of being jeopardized due to a lack of financial resources.

The work of these centers is particularly important because they support refugee women with questions about maternity records, pregnancy and dealing with authorities. They also offer group activities such as painting and dancing, which are very popular in Osnabrück and Bramsche.

Financing problems and their consequences

A clear indication of how serious the situation is comes from social associations, which warn of serious consequences for the women affected. Given the planned shift in resources to administrative structures and technical equipment, direct support for refugees could suffer greatly. The federal government has already announced that it will end funding for asylum projects with EU funds, which further complicates the situation.

The Lower Saxony Refugee Council is sounding the alarm and calling on the state to close the funding gap immediately, as the Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Health and Equality will not provide its own funds. Nevertheless, the ministry recognizes the importance of women's centers and tries to use AMIF funds for support projects.

Another aspect that should not go unnoticed is the forecast 7,200 people seeking protection who are expected in Lower Saxony by spring 2026. In this context, the critically discussed allegations of attacks and sexual abuse in refugee accommodation are also being raised, as mandatory violence protection concepts are urgently needed here.

The importance of women's centers

The work of women's centers has proven to be indispensable in recent years. These institutions not only offer a contact point for legal and social questions, but also create a protected space for exchange and community. Refugee women in particular, who have often had to go through traumatic experiences, need this support. Here you will not only find practical help, but also emotional support that goes beyond everyday challenges.

With current developments in financing, this essential help may soon no longer exist. It remains to be seen how those responsible at the state and federal level will position themselves on the challenges in order to secure the valuable work of the women's centers.

In the meantime, the public is called upon to advocate for the rights and support of refugee women. The value that these centers bring to society cannot be overemphasized.