Ayten Pacariz: Heldin from Ottakring is committed to women!

Ayten Pacariz: Heldin from Ottakring is committed to women!

In the colorful variety of Vienna, personal stories sometimes shine particularly bright. One of these stories is that of Ayten Pacariz, the Meinverkärtheldin from Ottakring. Pacariz, who has held the operational management of the “Die Neighbor” association since 2014, is with passion to integrate women from different cultures into Austrian society. During a successful ceremony, she was recently appointed heroine by Mein district, W24 and moderator Mel Merio, which gives her work the necessary recognition.

The association "The Neighbor's" has set itself the task of supporting isolated women. Pacariz is often invited to the women home to help them orientation in their new environment. "Many withdraw into their own four walls," she explains, adding: "Especially the language barriers and new customs represent great challenges." It is all the more important that women are advised in their own language, which makes the offer of “neighboring” particularly valuable. They offer advice in Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Chechen, Somali and Turkish.

Together against isolation

A central concern of Pacariz is to reduce the fears of women. They are often afraid to lose their culture and roots through the integration. The "neighbors" therefore convey that you don't have to give up anything that is nice. Through regular visits and individual plans that are developed over a period of several months, it is possible to absorb families and to support them in a targeted manner. The work of “the neighboring” is not just an emergency aid, but an effective empowerment program that strengthens the self-confidence and independence of women.

The challenges with which women are faced with are diverse. Pacariz reports: "There are often resistances, not only from women themselves, but also from male family members who are afraid of an independent partner or daughter." In some cases, these patriarchal structures are deeply rooted. In addition, the association offers support in difficult situations, for example in divorces if this is desired.

a role model for many

Last year's BAMF study shows that many migrants are restricted in their integration due to lack of language skills and childcare obligations. This is also a point at which the "neighboring" set. Increasing the employment of migrant women is also an important goal. Targeted programs, such as "strong at work", should help them to gain a foothold in the labor market. Pacariz sees himself as a pioneer who uses her own experiences in social professions to help other women.

The next episode of the "Viennese heroine" series will be broadcast on W24 on Sunday, June 29, from 7 p.m. Interested parties can find more information about the association on the website www.nachbarinnen.at . The work of Ayten Pacariz and her team is a bright spot in times when social integration is more in demand than ever. Especially now that pluralism and diversity are at the top of the agenda in society, the commitment of Pacariz and the "neighbors" is a valuable asset.