the Kezban Foundation
Goals
“Never again” was the slogan of the founders of Stichting (=Foundation)
Kezban, after the honour killing of Kezban Vural in 1999. Unfortunately these
honour killings are still happening.
However, three years after its establishment, the Kezban Foundation has
realised part of its goals. They are:
to make the issue of domestic violence open to discussion in migrant
communities;
to increase and accessibility for migrant women of the regular assistance;
to influence government policies regarding domestic violence in the interest
of migrant women and girls.
Organisation
A majority of the members of the board are migrant women. Several working
parties give practical support. The Kezban Foundation has no office and no
staff. Volunteers do all work. Finances come from donations and subsidies for
projects.
Information
To help break the taboo on domestic violence the foundation made two films
called ‘Als ik háár was...’ (If I were she...). The films are drama
documentaries, one Turkish, one Moroccan. They explicitly explain the origins
of domestic violence and indicate possible solutions.
Both films last 40 minutes and have Dutch subtitles. The Moroccan film is also
available with voice-over in the Berber language.
Support
From its early existence the Kezban Foundation has been approached by migrant
victims of domestic violence, asking help. A small network of volunteers is
supporting these women by giving advice or accompaniment.
Professional organisations and police also approach the foundation for
specific advice or intervention.
Influencing policies
Because it’s broad experience with and knowledge of domestic violence the
foundation is able to influence the policies of government and assistance
organisations. In order to do so, the Kezban Foundation is a member of local
and national advisory committees and platforms on the issue of domestic
violence. On top of it there is a direct contact with those members of
parliament who are specifically involved in the issues of domestic violence
and integration.
Domestic violence in migrant families has become a singular issue on the
political and social agenda in the past few years.
November 2004
