Breaking Silence: Sharing the Voices of African Communities (Africa Week 2025)
Breaking Silence: Sharing the Voices of African Communities
During African Week 2025, organized by the Africans and African European Association (AFAES), people came together to talk about important issues facing African communities in Finland. The main topics were mental health, racism, and how we can all work together to make a positive change.
The session was led by Ethiopian journalist Seblewongel Tariku and included experts from across Africa: visual artist and community leader Abolore Sobayo, social psychologist Eva Udeh, lecturer and researcher Dr. Christal Oghogho Spel, diversity expert Dora Puhakka, doctoral researcher and storyteller Osita Ifezue, multicultural expert Refka Elech, health practitioner Josefine Atanga, and social worker Innocent Kazembe.
First Session: Understanding Racism and Its Impact
The speakers shared their experiences of how Africans in Finland are often misunderstood or left out. They talked about different kinds of racism — from unfair laws and rules to personal actions, and even discrimination within the African community itself based on tribe or skin color.
Racism can hurt people deeply. It can cause stress, anxiety, sadness, and make it hard to find or keep jobs, especially when language or unfair treatment gets in the way.
The panelists suggested ways to fight racism and make life better for everyone:
Think carefully before reacting to racism
Religious leaders and community groups should help educate people
Both immigrants and Finns need to learn about each other's cultures
Know the difference between racism and other social problems
Stop unfair treatment among Africans themselves
Second Session: Building Strong Communities and Taking Action
The discussions also focused on how Africans in Finland can come together and support each other. The speakers pointed out that Africans need to trust and hold each other accountable to create real change. They said parents and schools play an important role in teaching about racism and its effects.
Education and ongoing conversations are key, along with reaching out to lawmakers and institutions to make sure everyone's voice is heard.
Creative activities like drama and films were highlighted as powerful tools to fight racism and give a voice to those who are often ignored.
Moving Forward
At the end of the sessions, the message was clear: African immigrants should work together and take active roles in building a better, more inclusive Finland for all.