Participation of immigrant girls in decision-making processes in Eastern Helsinki : The Case of Ruuti.

Abstract

Kamara, Electa Akinyi. Participation of immigrant girls in decision making processes in Eastern Helsinki. The case of Ruuti. Helsinki, Spring 2018. 43 p., 6 appendices. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Degree Programme in Social Services – Focus in com-munity development. Bachelor of Social Services. The study investigates the participation of immigrant girls 13 – 17 years–old’s in decision making processes in Eastern Helsinki, the case of Ruuti. The study was done in collabo-ration with Helsingin Nuorten Naisten Kristillinen Yhdistys - Debora project. Specifi-cally, the study wanted to answer questions regarding how they participated, at what lev-els and what factors hindered or supported their participation. The study reviewed previ-ous literature on gender and children participation. Qualitative methods were used for data collection and analysis. Telephone interviews and personal interviews were con-ducted to nine (9) out of ten (10) respondents. The study gives insight on the participation of immigrant girls, and the levels at which they participate in Ruuti. The few who participate in Ruuti have the opportunity to par-ticipate meaningfully where they are able to engage directly with decision makers or in-directly through representation. Other girls participated at the assigned but informed and the consulted and informed levels. They took part in already planned activities but were reluctant to participate in the initial phases. There is very low participation of immigrant girls in Ruuti. Moreover, issues of lack of sufficient information, apathy and socialization hinder their participation while on the other hand there is great need for role models and improve work with families. Meaning-ful participation leads to greater citizen engagement and fosters cohesion. Keywords: Community development; Gender equality; Partnership; Empowerment; Immigration.