When we talk about health, we often think of physical health: exercising, eating well, or seeing a doctor when we need to. But health is much more than that. It also includes how we feel, the relationships we have, our economic situation, the caregiving responsibilities we take on, and the support network we rely on. For this reason, incorporating a gender perspective into health care is essential to understanding women’s real needs and addressing them. At SURT, we work to place women and their needs at the center throughout their entire life cycle, as these needs directly impact their physical and emotional well-being. An increasingly prevalent reality is the precarious situation faced by single mothers, who often shoulder the responsibility of raising their children alone.
This reality can lead to a heavy emotional burden, difficulties balancing family, work, and personal life, and a sense of isolation that isn’t always visible. That’s why it’s so important to create spaces for mutual support, connection, and listening—where women can share experiences, build bonds, and feel supported. In Barceloneta, we have a rich cultural and community life, which is why fostering intercultural spaces where mothers can come together is the best way to build community, reduce loneliness, and create support networks that have a direct impact on health and well-being. The Women for Women Network is a good example.
On the other hand, taking care of our health also means taking care of our emotional well-being. As women, we experience multiple forms of violence; we live in a society that often demands a lot from us and leaves us little room to listen to ourselves and take care of ourselves. Stress, financial worries, family responsibilities, and immigration processes can profoundly affect our well-being. For this reason, SURT-Barceloneta has organized a program of “Emotional First Aid Workshops” during the months of June and July, aimed at all women in the neighborhood who want to set aside time to take care of themselves, share experiences, and acquire practical tools for their daily lives.
The two-hour workshops will address topics such as:
• Improving our relationships and building healthy, positive bonds.
• Strengthening self-esteem and self-care.
• Learning strategies to better manage emotions in complex or stressful situations.
• Improving communication with ourselves and with those around us.
• Sharing experiences about migration-related grief during motherhood—a new workshop designed especially for migrant women.
We want these spaces to be places of trust, active listening, and mutual support, where every woman can feel welcomed and supported.
Because taking care of ourselves shouldn’t be a luxury, and doing so as a community helps us feel stronger, more connected, and better equipped to face everyday challenges. We invite all women who want to set aside some time for themselves to participate. You can register by calling SURT-Barceloneta at 937 545 498 or by visiting our office at Dr. Aiguader, 18 and asking for Clara.
