Migrant and refugee women bring valuable skills, qualifications, experience and community contributions to regional Australia. New research from the Melbourne Social Equity Institute highlights their aspirations and identifies ways to help women realise their potential in work, study and community life.
The report, ‘My Heart Is Always For The Community’: Migrant Women’s Skills, Qualifications, and Aspirations In and For the Shepparton Region, draws on interviews with 56 women and community stakeholders and survey responses from 213 migrant women.
Findings reveal a strong desire to contribute to the community, pursue employment and education, and create better opportunities for future generations. Yet many women’s skills and contributions remain unpaid or unrecognised, while caring responsibilities and barriers to flexible education and English language programs can limit their opportunities.
The report calls for greater recognition of women’s skills and experience, improved access to education and employment, and stronger social connections. It emphasises the importance of developing solutions in partnership with migrant women.
Recognising migrant women’s skills, aspirations and contributions can create opportunities for women, their families and the wider Shepparton community.