Introduction

In this book, we will present findings, critical reflections and practical experiences of research conducted as part of the Horizon Europe ReIncluGen project. The ReIncluGen project stands for REthinking INCLUsion and GENder Empowerment: A participatory action research'. This European project pays particular attention to differing social, cultural, economic and political contexts across Europe, focusing on Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland and Spain. Central to this project is the critical feminist approach towards structural societal crises such as the economic crises, the care crisis, security, violence and the specific contexts of (forced and environmentally induced) migration. The patriarchal system—whether on a political, economic, social or cultural level—is fundamental to why our research is necessary in the first place. The ReIncluGen project aims to study and co-construct creative and innovative ways to help reverse socio-economic, cultural and racial inequalities and help realise gender empowerment and inclusion of women and girls with a migration background (cf. migrantised women) across distinct societal contexts in Europe. In order to realise this, the ReIncluGen project aims to rethink and move beyond ‘gender empowerment’ as a container term and, in doing so, achieve a more ‘situated’ and comparative understanding of gendered power relations across societal spheres both within and between the above-mentioned European countries. In this chapter, we will first sketch the broader rationale behind the ReIncluGen project and introduce the different chapters and parts of this book.