Empowerment Groups for Women Migrating from China to Hong Kong

This article discusses the application of an empowerment group work model in working with Chinese women who have migrated from mainland China to Hong Kong. Oppression of female migrants exists at multiple levels, including oppression based on ethnicity, gender, and class. Empowerment groups have tackled the internalized sense of powerlessness and linked isolated individuals to the collective to advocate for social change. Empowerment was achieved through the use of storytelling that identified differences and commonalities that contested the idea that migrants are inferior and detrimental to the society. The storytelling also helped to challenge policies that discriminate against migrants.