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Impact of a Pilot Peer-Mentoring Empowerment Program on Personal Well-Being for Migrant and Refugee Women in Western Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Shelley Gower

    (Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Zakia Jeemi

    (Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Niranjani Wickramasinghe

    (Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Paul Kebble

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • David Forbes

    (Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Jaya A R Dantas

    (Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Shelley Gower & Zakia Jeemi & Niranjani Wickramasinghe & Paul Kebble & David Forbes & Jaya A R Dantas, 2022. "Impact of a Pilot Peer-Mentoring Empowerment Program on Personal Well-Being for Migrant and Refugee Women in Western Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3338-:d:769285
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gaillard, Desireé & Hughes, Kate, 2014. "Key considerations for facilitating employment of female Sudanese refugees in Australia," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 20(5), pages 671-690, September.
    2. Pam Nilan & Ibtihal Samarayi & Terence Lovat, 2012. "Female Muslim Jobseekers in Australia: Liminality, Obstacles and Resilience," International Journal of Asian Social Science, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 2(5), pages 682-692, May.
    3. Minkler, M. & Blackwell, A.G. & Thompson, M. & Tamir, H.B., 2003. "Community-Based Participatory Research: Implications for Public Health Funding," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(8), pages 1210-1213.
    4. Wallerstein, N. & Duran, B., 2010. "Community-based participatory research contributions to intervention research: The intersection of science and practice to improve health equity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 40-46.
    5. Pam Nilan & Ibtihal Samarayi & Terence Lovat, 2012. "Female Muslim Jobseekers in Australia: Liminality, Obstacles and Resilience," International Journal of Asian Social Science, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 2(5), pages 682-692.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shelley Gower & Zakia Jeemi & Jaya A. R. Dantas, 2022. "“You Have to Go Gently”: Mentors’ Perspectives of a Peer Mentoring Empowerment Program to Reduce Marginalization in Refugee and Migrant Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Ilse Blignault & Hend Saab & Hanan Youssef & Heba Baddah & Klara Giourgas & Lisa Woodland, 2023. "“It Is Definitely a Good Program for Everyone from Every Community”: A Qualitative Study of Community Partner Perspectives on the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Mindfulness Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(16), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Claire P. Street & Poh Yen Ng & Haya Al-Dajani, 2022. "Refugee Women Business Mentors: New Evidence for Women’s Empowerment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-21, July.

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