SH.22.04
Migrant and refugee women’s attitudes, experiences and responses to sexual harassment in the workplace
28 months
Migrant and refugee women remain largely overlooked in major national studies and national commitments to ending 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.
Significance
A key driver for this research is to support and enhance the Australian Government’s A Roadmap for Respect, where it is indicated that a whole-of-society response is necessary for preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment. A commitment highlighted in A Roadmap for Respect is ensuring that the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse, migrant and refugee women are adequately captured and accounted for. This project will offer a timely examination of whether contemporary responses are sufficient or adequate in meeting the needs of these groups of women. The findings will also enhance the development of educational and training resources for government, law enforcement, unions and workplace regulators.
Researchers
Researchers
Professor Marie Segrave, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, School of Social Sciences, Monash University
Dr Shih Joo (Siru) Tan, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, School of Social Sciences, Monash University
Research team
Prabhapriya Bogoda Arachchige, School of Social Sciences, Monash University
Professor Rebecca Wickes, Monash Migration and Inclusion Centre, School of Social Sciences, Monash University
Dr Chloe Keel, School of Social Sciences, Monash University
Research partners
Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women for Change, Professional Migrant Women Group, AMES Australia, Culturally Diverse Women/MindTribes, Settlement Services International, and additional employer/industry representatives
Downloads
Research report
Migrant and refugee women in Australia:
A study of sexual harassment in the workplace
View more
Technical report
Technical report for migrant and refugee women in Australia: A study of sexual harassment in the workplace
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Fact sheet
Migrant and refugee women in Australia:
A study of sexual harassment in the workplace
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See also
Media release
Forty-six per cent of migrant and refugee women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the last five years, national study has found.
Find out moreMedia release
First ever national study to investigate migrant and refugee women’s experiences of sexual harassment at work
Find out moreBudget
$159,995 (excluding GST)
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.