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

Shelley Gower, Zakia Jeemi, Niranjani Wickramasinghe, Paul Kebble, David Forbes and Jaya A R Dantas
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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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-17

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.

Keywords: mentoring; refugees; migrants; women; empowerment; mental health; employability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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