| Summary: | Women face many challenges during the refugee journey and upon resettlement. They
demonstrate great resilience and agency as they navigate a new life for themselves
and their families. Understanding settlement from the perspective of refugee women is
important in implementing policies and programs which can effectively respond to their
needs and issues.
The Empowerment and Mental Health Promotion of Refugee Women through Photovoice
Project (Photovoice Project), funded by Healthway – the Health Promotion Foundation
of Western Australia was conducted in partnership with Ishar Multicultural Women’s
Health Centre. The study used photovoice, a participatory research tool. Participants were
provided with cameras and asked to photograph items and situations that represented
their settlement experience.
43 women of refugee background took part in the Photovoice Project and 22 women
selected photographs for a travelling exhibition. Over a third of the women who
participated were from Iraq, with others from Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Vietnam, South
Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Lebanon and El Salvador. Taking photographs
and sharing these with the group was described as an empowering experience.
Recommendations proposed by women themselves
• The need for English language programs tailored to women’s unique
circumstances, recognising issues which impact on learning such as family
responsibilities, pre-Australian education, trauma/health issues and cultural
adjustment.
• Support to gain employment through training, mentoring and building
networks.
• Resourcing for settlement and women’s services.
• Receiving assistance from settled migrants to help new refugees.
Photovoice proved to be an effective tool for supporting wellbeing and empowerment
among women refugees. Language difficulties, gender issues and social isolation
continue to be significant issues experienced among women refugees beginning a new
life in Australia. Sustained English language tuition, appropriate to the needs and life
demands of women refugees is necessary to support their successful settlement.
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