Javne biblioteke kao prostori integracije i osnaživanja migrantica
Public Libraries as Integration and Enhancement Spaces for Migrant Women

Summary/Abstract: The Council of Europe's Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023, without neglecting the improtant issue of voluntary and forced migration in the European area and particular ''vulnerability'' of migrant women and girls, addresses the protection of the rights of migrant, refugees and asylum-seeking women and girls in the fifth strategic objective by stressing out that ''measures need to be taken to ensure that migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women have acces to their human and social rights in relation to individual freedom, employment, housing, health, education,social protection and welfare where applicable; and acces to information about their rights and the services available.'' In this regard, European experiences after the great migration wave from 2015 have already shown that the full and successful integration of migrant women and girls into European society requires the collaborative work of numerous national and international bodies, governmental and non-governmental sectors, and other relevant insitutions and organizations, including libraries that should address special attention ''to groups which are often marginalized in culturally diverse societies: minorities, asylum seekers and refugees, residents with a temporary residence permit, migrant workers, and indigenous communities.'' (IFLA / UNESCO Multicultural Library Manifesto 2008). In this context, this paper will provide an overview of selected programs and services targeted at migrant women in public libraries in the European area. In conclusion, paper highlights the important role of public libraries in the processes of linguistic and social integration of migrant women, and points out the need for continuous improvement of programs and services designed for migrant women, which should be an integral part of diversified public library services.

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