Migrant and Refugee Settlement Regional Australia: A Spotlight on the Drivers of Gender Equity
摘要
Migrant and refugee settlement in Australia is influenced by individual, social, political, and economic factors. During periods of resettlement, women and girls are often vulnerable to abuse and exploitation as well as exclusion from opportunities such as paid work. The vulnerability of migrant women is most pronounced among temporary visa holders. Migrant and refugee women have a lower rate of workforce participation compared to migrant and refugee men and are less likely to be employed than Australian-born women. During resettlement women and girls may experience cultural isolation due to traditional gender roles and expectations, which can be more pronounced in less diverse, regional communities. These women are commonly subject to domestic and family violence as well as forced marriage. A lack of trust in traditional authorities, such as police, and fear of deportation can hinder help-seeking behaviours, particularly in family situations. Despite the well-documented challenges for migrants and refugee, there is evidence of communitydriven support and also examples of how migrant women contribute to their new communities. This chapter seeks to discuss the enablers and barriers to achieving greater gender equality for migrant and refugee women in regional Australia using a social ecologic framework and gender–based lens.