On February 9, 2026, the Public institution National Social Integrity Institute signed a financing agreement with the Central Project Management Agency for the implementation of the project “Strengthening the integration of foreign women and children living in Lithuania” (hereinafter referred to as the Project). The Project is financed by the Swiss Confederation and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania (Cooperation Programme between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Lithuania 2022-2029).
Project Objective
To strengthen the abilities and motivation of foreign women and children living in Lithuania, who are citizens of third countries (non–European Union member states), including asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking, to participate in public life by increasing their integration opportunities in the municipalities of Klaipėda District, Vilnius City, and Vilnius District.
Main problem addressed by the project
Third-country nationals living in Lithuania, especially women and children, often face significant challenges integrating into the local community. Their social exclusion, psychosocial difficulties, and language barriers frequently prevent them from actively participating in public life, contribute to their isolation and vulnerability, and can sometimes lead to a cycle of domestic violence. Ineffective support and a lack of social services further complicate their integration process and deepen social exclusion.
Although Lithuania has a well-developed system of social, health, education, and other public services, it is primarily oriented toward Lithuanian citizens, while third-country nationals still struggle to access these services even though they fall within the category of eligible recipients.
The situation of human trafficking victims remains particularly vulnerable, further limiting their ability to recover and integrate into society. This year, more than 15 human trafficking cases related to labor law violations were initiated in Lithuania; however, many cases remain unidentified because Lithuania still lacks established practice in handling human trafficking cases. At present, a person involved in legal proceedings for recognition as a victim of human trafficking cannot leave Lithuania but also does not have the right to earn legal income in the labor market. Only after obtaining official human trafficking victim status can a person participate in public service provision.
To achieve the project goal, three objectives were set, each addressing key issues faced by the target group:
- Provide individual and group consultations addressing psychosocial and sociocultural integration challenges.
- Provide comprehensive social services to vulnerable groups and victims of human trafficking.
- Organize sociocultural activities and promote volunteering among the target group.
The chosen approach—comprehensive, personalized, socially integrative services—is the most effective in addressing these challenges, as it is applied both individually and in groups, promotes social participation, improves the accessibility and effectiveness of services, and strengthens the ability of women and children to manage their own lives.
Target Groups
Foreign women and children living in Lithuania who are citizens of third countries (non-EU member states), including asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking.
Project Activities
The project will provide comprehensive social services, individual and group consultations to address psychosocial and sociocultural integration issues, and assistance to vulnerable women and children from third countries and their relatives (including trafficking victims). Sociocultural activities will be organized, such as “Living Library” events, volunteering initiatives, and camps for teenagers.
Activities will include nonviolent communication sessions, art therapy, domestic-violence prevention programs, and career-planning consultations. The project will also cover the cost of the Lithuanian language exam and organize Lithuanian language lessons for teenagers. Additionally, the project seeks to employ a third-country national to provide social integration services using culturally sensitive approaches.
The project will contribute to the integration of the target group into society, improve their social skills, reduce social exclusion, and provide opportunities for active participation in public life. Project activities are focused on ensuring equal opportunities and reducing discrimination, enabling all members of the target group to engage actively in community life.
Project Objectives
- Provide individual and group consultations addressing the psychosocial and sociocultural integration challenges of the target group.
- Provide comprehensive social services to vulnerable third-country women and children, including victims of human trafficking.
- Organize sociocultural activities and promote volunteering among the target group.
Project Results
Strengthened social and emotional competencies of participants, increased integration into society, improved social skills, reduced social exclusion, and greater opportunities to participate in public life.
Project Partners
- Klaipėda District Municipality Administration
- Vilnius District Municipality Administration
