What kind of inclusion: Iraqi Muslim women's experiences in Australia

Abstract

Abstract This dissertation explores Iraqi Muslim refugee women’s experiences in Australia. It focuses on the extent and the ways in which Iraqi Muslim women’s identity is influenced when living in Australia as a second home. The participants were seven Iraqi Muslim women with different levels of education. Case study interviews were used to collect data. The study found that the women’s identity/s and experiences are influenced by Australian culture and different ways of living, though some were reluctant to express this directly. These variations ranged from some participants’ view that they are still struggling to develop a second identity as Australian Muslims, to the view that their experience with life in Australia only modified and changed centred aspects of their identity. No matter which position they took, all participants acknowledged the existence of two worlds, their original identity as Iraqi Muslims and the second new identity as Australian Muslims. Life in Australia provides the participants with the means to feel safe, to develop their skills, and to believe in themselves; at the very least this gives them the hope of being independent in their opinions. Living in Australia may help these women in developing their identity and exploring certain issues, but it does not erase the borders and constraints associated with their culture. These women all cited changes they believe to have influences on themselves, on relations with their families and the outer world, especially with respect to women’s position and status. The dissertation concludes with suggestions and recommendations for Iraqi women and other Muslim and migrant women. It complements what is known about cultural differences that migrants experience and associated identity change. The study has also introduced previously silenced Iraqi women and their experiences to the outside world and assisted them in exploring larger issues about their own experiences and identities, as it provided a platform for these women to present their experiences and beliefs to the world outside their community.