Migrant and refugee women’s attitudes, experiences and responses to sexual harassment in the workplace

This project will undertake a national study to investigate migrant and refugee women’s understanding of, experiences and responses to sexual harassment.

This project builds on the knowledge that migrant and refugee women are more likely to be in precarious employment (i.e. non-permanent, casualised or contract labour) and that factors such as limited English proficiency, non-permanent visa status, race-based bias and discrimination, and disparate cultural expectations can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing workplace-based sexual harassment.

Research aim/s

This research aims to build a detailed national picture of the experiences of a diverse group of migrant and refugee women to inform more targeted engagement with women and workplaces regarding unacceptable workplace behaviour. It will lay the groundwork for developing more informed and responsive systems that are attuned to the social and systemic factors that influence how migrant and refugee women in Australia negotiate and respond to experiences of sexual harassment as bystanders and/or targets.

Methods

This will be a multi-methods design involving an online survey, interviews and focus group discussions.