Tuesday, May 07, 2024
CISWH and Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) faculty Prof. Luz Marilis López and Maria Emilia Bianco presented at the recent International Social Work and Social Development conference in Panamá. Sharing their expertise on cultural considerations when working with Latino/Latinx migrant mothers and their families, the profs. highlighted the challenges and strengths of these communities, drawing from their own research on the experiences of Latino/Latinx migrant mothers and their families.
Their workshop, conducted in Spanish, presented narrative and visual testimonies from 20 Central American immigrant women in Reynosa, Mexico; Texas; and Boston to over 100 attendees sparking interest from local government and news outlets. The testimonies included stories of trauma and strength, which the professors then used to facilitate interactive and critical analysis activities with the audience.
The team’s participation in the conference underscores CISWH’s commitment to advancing social work practices that respect diversity and promote joint social action. Prof. Lopez and Dr. Bianco’s insights and experiences contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how to best protect the rights of immigrant mothers facing dire human experiences with a focus on mental health.
The conference, with the theme “Buen Vivir, Respecting Diversity through Joint Social Action,” was a collaborative effort between the International Association of Schools of Social Work, the International Council of Social Welfare, and the International Federation of Social Workers. The event brought together social work educators, researchers, practitioners and policymakers from around the world.