Autonomy
maiz is an association independent of political parties, churches and other institutions.
Self-organisation
The work of maiz is essentially based on the self-organization of migrants, beyond neoliberal concepts (we firmly reject terms such as "self-management" or "mainstreaming").
Collective self-empowerment
We critically engage with existing power structures in order to change them.
As a collective of migrant women* we analyzed our own situation in Austria – as workers in the sex industry, cleaners for leasing firms, housekeepers and caregivers in companies and private households, care assistants in the health sector, but also as “the illegal”, asylum seekers, the unemployed, housewives, students, academics and scientists. And we decided to act.
maiz is actively engaged in producing its own media content. Through its publications, which delve into subjects such as migration, gender, the labor market, anti-racism, and education, maiz adopts a critical stance. “We deliberately embrace our authority as knowledge creators!” (Caixeta)
maiz is a registered association that is participatory and collectively organized. Several groups and organs as well as participants determine the actions of maiz:
maiz wants to create female space and offers spaces where women* can connect, share and gain further education. Our services are used by women from over 50 different countries.
We always understand our work, particularly in education and counseling, as promoting a process of self-awareness which supports women* to abandon the victim role and to fully participate as active protagonists in society.
The women* in our target group come from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Therefore, our work requires special approaches, methods, strategies and materials.
ZVR: 374569075
maiz - Autonomous Center for and by Migrant Women
Hofgasse 11
A-4020 Linz
Tel: +43 (0) 732 / 89 02 04
There has been extensive coverage of maiz in the media as well as in academic publications. maiz, in its own publications, takes a critical stance within the discourse on topics such as migration, gender, the workforce, anti-racism, and education, stating, “We deliberately embrace our role as creators of knowledge!” (Caixeta).