Event Report: Carrying More Than One’s Own Burden – The Realities of Family Caregivers

Coordination RAFIO

5 days ago

3 min read

Event Report

Date: September 24–25, 2026

Organizer: Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC)

Event: Annual Conference of the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC)

Theme: Family Caregiving, the Realities of Francophone Afro-Caribbean Women, and the Migration Context

Activity Background

RAFIO was pleased to participate in the Annual Conference of the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC), held in Ottawa on September 24 and 25, 2026.

As part of the conference, RAFIO took part in a panel entitled “Carrying More Than One’s Own Burden: The Realities of Francophone Afro-Caribbean Women Caregivers in the Context of Migration.”

This participation was part of an effort to raise awareness of the realities experienced by family caregivers, particularly Francophone Afro-Caribbean women living in a migration context.

The panel provided a space for dialogue, listening, and awareness-raising about the responsibilities shouldered by family caregivers, the challenges they may face, and the importance of recognizing their contributions to families and the wider community.

Activity Overview

RAFIO’s participation in the conference took place in an environment that encouraged discussion, the sharing of experiences, and collective reflection.

The “Carrying More Than One’s Own Burden” panel explored various aspects of family caregiving and the realities experienced by Francophone Afro-Caribbean women caregivers in the context of migration.

Discussions focused on several key topics, including:

The daily responsibilities of family caregivers;
The mental and emotional burden associated with caregiving;
Challenges encountered in the context of migration;
The specific realities experienced by some Francophone Afro-Caribbean women;
Balancing family, personal, and community responsibilities;
The difficulties that can make the role of family caregivers less visible;
The importance of recognizing and valuing the work of family caregivers;
The strength, courage, and resilience demonstrated by those who care for their loved ones.

Discussions on Family Caregiving and Resilience

Particular attention was given to the realities of family caregivers and the different forms of support they may need.

The discussions highlighted how caregiving can involve significant responsibilities that affect individuals physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The exchanges also emphasized the need to better recognize the efforts of caregivers, whose contributions may sometimes remain invisible despite their importance to families and communities.

The concept of resilience also played an important role in the discussions. Despite the challenges and responsibilities they carry, family caregivers demonstrate strength, courage, and a remarkable ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.

The panel helped raise awareness of the importance of creating spaces where caregivers can feel heard, recognized, and supported.

Participation and Feedback

RAFIO’s participation in the conference provided an important opportunity for knowledge-sharing, awareness-raising, and networking with individuals and organizations working to support Francophone communities.

The discussions took place in an atmosphere of active listening, respect, and openness. The different perspectives shared enriched the conversations surrounding family caregiving and the realities experienced by Francophone Afro-Caribbean women.

The meeting also reinforced the importance of maintaining spaces for dialogue that make caregivers’ experiences more visible and promote a better understanding of their needs.

Key Outcomes

RAFIO’s participation in the conference helped to:

Raise awareness of the realities experienced by family caregivers;
Highlight the experiences of Francophone Afro-Caribbean women in the context of migration;
Encourage dialogue about the mental and emotional burden and responsibilities associated with caregiving;
Recognize the essential contributions of family caregivers to their families and communities;
Acknowledge the strength, courage, and resilience of caregivers;
Create opportunities for listening and sharing experiences;
Encourage networking among stakeholders within the Francophone community;
Strengthen connections between organizations and individuals committed to supporting communities;
Raise awareness of the importance of better recognizing and supporting family caregivers;
Promote the values of solidarity, inclusion, and community support.

Conclusion

RAFIO’s participation in the Annual Conference of the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne, particularly in the panel “Carrying More Than One’s Own Burden: The Realities of Francophone Afro-Caribbean Women Caregivers in the Context of Migration,” provided an important opportunity for awareness-raising, dialogue, and knowledge-sharing.

The discussions helped highlight the realities of family caregivers, their responsibilities, their mental and emotional burden, and the challenges they may face, while recognizing their strength, courage, and resilience.

This meeting reinforced the importance of creating more opportunities for family caregivers to feel heard, recognized, respected, and supported.

RAFIO remains committed to supporting families and communities through initiatives that strengthen solidarity, inclusion, resilience, and support for those who often carry more than their fair share of responsibilities every day.