Breakthrough - Immigrant and Refugee Women in Australia

Discussion Highlights

• Focus was on Social Isolation, Intergenerational issues & Employment & Training barriers

• However, we had a fantastic group discussion of broader issues & the highlights were:

• Women’s lives  & issues are complex, and programs/funding should be holistic (ie English language tuition)

• Women are trying to deal with issues from their home country as well as settlement, trauma, family, work etc

• Access to women through the home fits with religious & cultural norms & is an entry point for transformation

• Anglo Aussies sharing life with new arrivals works really well

Recommendations

Social Isolation- BT to advocate for funding for existing leadership courses & distribute successful models that address language & mentoring support needs.

Employment-Initiatives are needed to address fears of women (of immigration work laws, going out to get training), and Govt. to fund holistic refugee work programs.

Intergenerational-Use schools to help, & flexible Govt policies & legislation are needed.