Renowned Nigerian author based in Finland, Hope Oby Nwosu, has voiced her concerns over the exploitation of immigrant women in EU-funded workshops. In a passionate Facebook post, Nwosu highlighted how these projects often collect stories and experiences from immigrants without adequately compensating or involving them in the policymaking process.
Nwosu, who recently attended a workshop where immigrant women were invited to share their experiences of living in Finland, expressed her disappointment with the event’s outcome. The workshop, according to her, was part of an EU project aimed at co-creating ideas with immigrant women. However, she stated that the true purpose was merely to gather data for research and scientific articles.
“The participants volunteered their time to share their story of living in Finland,” Nwosu said. “In return, they were offered a cup of coffee and sandwiches. I see this act as pure exploitation! This is the same thing that happens all the time—people collect information from immigrants and thereafter become experts in integration.”
Nwosu pointed out a recurring issue where immigrants, especially women, are often sidelined from the decision-making processes that directly affect them. She argued that collecting data from immigrant communities is not enough and called for their meaningful involvement in policy development.
“Why should the role of immigrants in matters concerning them be a passive one?” she asked. “It is essential for immigrants to have a say in issues affecting them. By involving immigrants in policy planning and implementation, integration services will be functional and beneficial to the target group.”
Her remarks have ignited discussions across social media platforms, with many echoing her concerns. Critics of the current approach to integration policies argue that immigrant voices need to be elevated beyond being mere data points. Supporters of Nwosu’s stance are calling for a more inclusive approach that empowers immigrants in the decision-making processes that shape their lives.
As conversations on the topic continue, Nwosu’s comments are shining a light on a growing issue within immigrant communities in Finland and across Europe: the need for fair representation and active participation in creating policies that truly serve their interests.
The incident has sparked debates over the ethical practices of researchers and organizations involved in EU projects concerning immigrants, urging a rethink of how immigrant stories are used and who benefits from them.