5 Ways ‘Every Step’ Honored Migrants’ Contributions Through Art in Kuwait

Introduction

Migration is a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and hope. In celebration of International Migrants Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Philippines, hosted a remarkable event titled “Every Step”—a drawing activity aimed at showcasing the power of art to unite communities, foster understanding, and highlight the contributions of migrant workers to society.

Migration is more than just relocating from one place to another—it represents courage, determination, and the pursuit of a better life. Many migrants leave their home countries in search of stability, economic opportunities, and security for their families. The “Every Step” event not only provided a platform to celebrate their contributions but also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and mutual respect between migrants and their host communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of migration through art, the event served as a reminder that every migrant carries a story worth sharing, one that adds richness and diversity to the societies they become part of.

Bringing together participants from various professional sectors, the event served as a platform to promote inclusivity, cultural exchange, and appreciation for the vital role that migrants play in the economic and social development of their host countries. Under the guidance of renowned artist Hiba Nour, participants expressed their journeys, struggles, and aspirations through art, turning every brushstroke into a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope.

A Testament to Cooperation and Solidarity

The success of the “Every Step” event was made possible through the strong partnership between the IOM in Kuwait and the Philippine Embassy, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting migrant workers and recognizing their invaluable contributions.

For years, migrant workers have played a crucial role in strengthening economies, bridging cultures, and building communities. Events like these demonstrate the power of partnerships between organizations and embassies, reinforcing their duty to protect, empower, and acknowledge the role of migrant workers in society. The event highlighted how migration, when supported by strong policies and programs, can be mutually beneficial for both the workers and the host countries.

H.E. José Cabrera, the Ambassador of the Philippines to Kuwait, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the bonds between expatriates and their host communities. He expressed his appreciation for Kuwait’s policies that support migrant workers and reaffirmed the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to fostering continuous dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect between migrant workers and their employers.

“The embassy highly appreciates this opportunity to partner with the International Organization for Migration in Kuwait to raise awareness of the role and contribution of the community in the development and prosperity of the countries receiving them,” said Ambassador Cabrera.

His words reflect the embassy’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and integration of Filipino workers in Kuwait, encouraging initiatives that promote harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships between migrant workers and their employers.

The Power of Art in Bridging Cultures

Art has long been a universal language that transcends borders, and the “Every Step” event beautifully illustrated this reality. Mazen AboulHosn, Chief of Mission for the IOM in Kuwait, highlighted the transformative impact of art in building understanding between different cultures and communities.

Art has always served as a powerful tool for storytelling, communication, and advocacy. It provides a medium through which people can express their experiences, emotions, and aspirations without the need for words. The “Every Step” event exemplified how art can foster cultural awareness, empathy, and unity, strengthening the connection between migrants and their host communities. It allowed participants to share their migration journeys creatively, reinforcing the importance of respect and understanding between diverse groups.

“This activity is a testament to the power of art in bringing people together and promoting understanding. Every step a migrant takes is a step toward a brighter future for all, and we are delighted to partner with the Embassy of the Philippines to celebrate this important day,” said AboulHosn.

The event also served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of regular migration pathways and the significance of ensuring the protection of migrant workers’ rights. The IOM and its partners in Kuwait continue to advocate for policies that create a more inclusive and supportive environment for temporary contracted labor, ensuring that migrants are given the respect, security, and recognition they deserve.

AboulHosn further stated that this year’s International Migrants Day theme, “Every Step,” affirms that each stage in the migration process is significant and should be acknowledged. This message was powerfully conveyed through the collaborative artwork created during the event, symbolizing progress, unity, and empowerment.

A Community Coming Together

The “Every Step” event welcomed participants from various sectors, including professionals in medical services, construction, domestic labor, and other industries. Each individual brought a unique perspective to the collective art project, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of migrant workers in Kuwait.

Every migrant worker has a story of resilience and determination, and this event gave them the chance to depict their journeys in a meaningful way. By allowing different professional groups to engage in artistic expression, the event fostered deeper connections, proving that despite different backgrounds, migrant workers share similar hopes and dreams for a better future. The diversity of the artwork produced reflected not just personal struggles but also collective aspirations for a more inclusive and just society.

Guided by artist Hiba Nour, participants were encouraged to use their creativity to express their personal stories. The paintings that emerged from this activity were not just art pieces but powerful visual narratives—representing the strength, perseverance, and aspirations of migrants.

Through this collaborative effort, the event succeeded in turning art into a tool for storytelling, empowerment, and advocacy. The works of art produced during the event serve as a reminder that every step a migrant takes is a contribution to society, a testament to their resilience, and a move toward a brighter future.

A Celebration of Strength and Unity

The International Migrants Day celebration in Kuwait was more than just an art event—it was a powerful statement of solidarity, recognition, and appreciation for migrant workers. By bringing together different communities and creating a shared space for artistic expression, the IOM and the Philippine Embassy reinforced the importance of inclusion and respect for migrants’ rights.

This event is a testament to the strength of international cooperation, where organizations and governments come together to uplift and support the millions of migrant workers who contribute significantly to their host countries.

Through initiatives like “Every Step,” Kuwait continues to move towards a future where migrants are not just workers but valued members of society. The success of this event serves as an encouragement to expand similar programs that empower, educate, and celebrate migrants everywhere.

Conclusion

The “Every Step” event stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering contributions of migrants across the globe. Through art, collaboration, and advocacy, the celebration of International Migrants Day in Kuwait not only showcased the importance of migrants’ roles in society but also highlighted the need to continue fostering inclusivity and support systems for their welfare.

By recognizing each step in a migrant’s journey as valuable and meaningful, the IOM, the Philippine Embassy, and the Kuwaiti community have taken a significant step forward in ensuring that migrants are celebrated, protected, and given the opportunities they deserve.

As we look ahead, let us continue to support migrant communities, acknowledge their contributions, and build a world where every step they take is met with appreciation, opportunity, and respect.

Stay Connected

For more updates on migrant programs and events, follow the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Kuwait and the Embassy of the Philippines on their official platforms. Let’s continue celebrating and empowering the migrant community together!

A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia