Methodology

The project began in January 2025 and the final report was submitted in January 2027 and exhibition of the stories and findings exhibited at the Linen Hall Library, Belfast. The methodology for the project was primarily data gathering through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 100 migrant people from 10 different nationalities who came to live in the Mid Ulster area. Data gathering for the project took place between 2025 and 2026 with 100 women migrant participating in questionnaires and 30 video interviews were conducted. This report is presented in a thematic structure, so findings from the qualitative research are interwoven with the themes from the quantative data analysis and through creative visual methods, book and exhibition at the Linen Hall Library, Belfast. The key points of data are interspersed in each section of the report and book, along with stories and quotes from participants.

During interviews it was important to be sensitive to the individual stories and to ensure recording and interviewing took place from an ethical and trauma-informed approach. Safeguarding measures and additional support through signposting and opportunities for counselling where available for those whose stories may have triggered trauma from past experiences.

There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence residing amongst staff at FSWC, local community, statutory organizations, voluntary groups and local employers in the Mid-Ulster area who have worked, supported and indeed employed many migrant women. Sadly, through lack of understanding and taking time to listen, may stories have been left untold and the richness of cultural heritage left unexplored or shared. This can and has led to negative connotations and racism and myths circulating which are not based on fact but hearsay and speculation.

Drawing on the stories, culture and lived experiences of the women Heritage Journeys aimed to tell the real stories, refute myths and negative stereotyping and thus enable a greater, richer understanding and much more positive perspective on migrant women and their cultural heritage. The real stories, too often hidden, behind the label of “migrant”.

Heritage Journeys has been co-produced alongside the migrant women to inform and educate the immediate community in the mid-Ulster area and further afield.