Abstract
The Empowerment and Peer Mentoring of Migrant and Refugee Women study (EMPOWER) examined the effectiveness of a participatory, peer mentoring program specifically tailored for migrant and refugee women to build ability, confidence, and knowledge to seek employment, a known contributor to mental health and wellbeing. Female migrant mentors (n = 21) supported five cohorts of mentees (n = 32), predominantly from Middle Eastern and Asian backgrounds, over a period of 3–12 months each between September 2019 and November 2021. The program consisted of both individual mentoring and group workshops facilitated by content experts and the research team. The mental health and wellbeing outcomes for the mentees were explored through individual interviews with both mentors and mentees. Results indicate the program helped participants develop social connections, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and personal health and safety skills. There are ongoing mental health needs in this cohort related to competing priorities and trauma. The development of trusting, respectful relationships with mentors who are committed and flexible is essential for positive wellbeing outcomes. Peer mentoring programs for migrant and refugee women can enhance mental health and wellbeing outcomes and facilitate independence. Mentors need resources to provide appropriate mental and physical health support for some groups.
Highlights
IntroductionThe issue of global migration is significant, with over 281 million people having migrated world-wide, according to the International Migration 2020 highlights [1]
This study used a community-based participatory approach (CBPA) to develop the peer mentoring program and respond to challenges that emerged throughout the project
25% have resided in Australia for 0–2 years or 3–5 years and 37.5% have resided for 10 or more years (Table 2). 25% of mentees arrived in Australia on a student visa, 21.9% on a partner visa, and 78.1% have a university degree
Summary
The issue of global migration is significant, with over 281 million people having migrated world-wide, according to the International Migration 2020 highlights [1]. The. UNHCR estimates that of this number, 33.72 million were forced to migrate due to civil conflict, internal crises, persecution, human rights violations, and climate-based disasters, with millions of civilians facing internal displacement [1]. Australia’s humanitarian program offers resettlement to people who have been found to be refugees according to the 1951 Refugee Convention or are in need of resettlement due to evolving humanitarian situations overseas [2]. Humanitarian Program visas was set at 18,750 for people from countries such as Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Eritrea [3]. In 2020, the Federal Government announced it would reduce the annual refugee intake to 13,750 places as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan [4]
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