Migrant women settled in the town of Portugalete share their experiences within the Loturak program, which explores the many reasons for leaving one's native country and settling in a completely new place. These reasons range from fleeing war or hunger to personal matters such as love.
This program is a pioneering initiative in Portugalete, which has already completed four editions. In the latest edition, 44 women from eleven different nationalities participated, including examples from Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Georgia, Pakistan, and Ukraine. Since the project began, the total number of participants has reached 191 women.
“"It helps migrants connect very quickly with the wonderful people who live here."
A key element of the Loturak program are the figures called “hilvanadoras” (threaders). These are residents of Portugalete who act as weavers of the network of invisible ties and threads that should remain after the project ends. This work helps them open their hearts to people who have experienced very different things, often marked by pain and suffering from leaving their families behind.
The “magical moment” that occurs on the first day is highlighted, where, to overcome shyness and language difficulties, participants share their experiences through an object. This helps break the ice and encourages conversation, allowing everyone to learn about each other's situations and problems.
