As part of the WISE (Women in Solidarity for Energy) and LIGHT (Local Initiatives for Green Housing Transitions) projects, Sára Szabó, Lili Szücs, and Ana Stojilovska from the Institute for Political Science organized a “storytelling workshop” with single mothers on the 18th of April 2026 in Budapest. The participants were asked to take pictures before the event, representing themes such as energy, housing, cost of living, care, and transport, and expressing how these themes appear in their everyday lives. During the first part of the workshop, the photovoice method was applied and the participants, working in small groups, added stories to these pictures, organized them thematically, and discussed the issues that appear through these stories.

Then, for the second part of the workshop, the focus was on participatory policy-making, and the participants were given different topics to work with in groups, such as affordable and secure energy, housing and transportation, well-being of the children, and financial stability. The groups formulated policies around these topics and articulated what kind of support they need as single mothers in these areas of their lives. One of the most important conclusions drawn is that single parents should be recognized as a distinct group in policies and receive support that considers their entire situation, such as their renting situation, lack of savings, and similar issues.

The workshop was financially supported by the European Union (CERV program) and the European Climate Foundation.