The Institute for Practical Democracy's Mission

The objective of the Mothers and Daughters project was to provide a workshop that would engage immigrant families, especially mothers and daughters as it relates to cross-cultural communications, identify generational gaps and initiate the establishment of dialogue between these two groups. The focus was on relevant issues regarding sex education, fashion, and puberty with respect for the mothers’ life experiences. The activity was successful in that the women thought the program was informative as well as helpful in understanding the young females in the communities at large.

Mana Barnabase said, “Many times we hope our daughter would listen to our advice, however, because of the generational gap and the dynamic of the culture our children being raised in, communications have been difficult. I came to this conclusion due to the question the student asked during the workshop. I now understand they too understand what we feel."

Zewdu said “After raising three girls I understand that it is important to let your daughters know you trust them because many times when you ask them where they are going, what they are doing, it comes out as if we do not trust them. It helps to tell them that it is only for their own safety.”

The discussion was valuable; it created a safe atmosphere for both the students and the parents to express their feelings and concerns freely. After the mothers met they continued to discuss the significance of having a support group in which they can come together and talk about their shared experiences as women that have grown up in a different environment which has shaped their views. Most importantly, to be able to break the barriers of miscommunication through discussion and understand their children, they agreed to take the time to reflect on their daughters and generally their families.

This project was important to everyone in that many of the female youths are maturing and need communication-based relationships with adults in the community; especially their mothers. The generational gap and the cross-cultural communication make it difficult as the views of the children and mothers differ. The daughters misunderstood the approaches of their parents based on the questions they ask about their involvement in different activities. The mothers assume their daughters were revolting or talking back when communicating and think that they were forgetting their culture. Therefore, they tend to take a strict action. The program set the stage for more open communications between the two groups.

Special thanks to Shaye McGann, the Maine Women Fund, the New Girls Network for funds and support. Victoria Mares Hershey, Professor Otrude Moyo who volunteered their time and assisted in leading workshops, and most of all for being the great mentors to the girls and myself. Shara for leading workshop and providing transportation from Lewiston to Portland. The mothers and the daughters, Khadija Guled who assisted us in the effort to instigate discussions surrounding sensitive issues and most of all for their support and encouragement.

Thank you, Yirgalem Madie