Gendered barriers to educational opportunities: resettlement of Sudanese refugees in Australia

Abstract

This paper argues that whilst equitable educational pathways are integrated into educational policy discourses in Australia, there are significant gendered barriers to educational participation among members of the Sudanese refugee groups. The specific conditions of forced migration reinforce disadvantage and further limit opportunities. Cultural factors play a key role in this, as the data from this study demonstrate. Participants in this study are Sudanese refugees who arrived in Australia as part of the humanitarian program. The paper draws upon interviews and focus group data that were collected for a larger study on the broader issue of resettlement of Sudanese refugees in Australia. This paper argues that women from refugee backgrounds are particularly at risk and face cultural and linguistic barriers in accessing educational opportunities.

Career choices: Linguistic and educational socialization of Sudanese-background high-school students in Australia

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Refugee Resettlement and Parenting in a Different Context

“…These considerations can influence refugee family dynamics as they look to discover a new family equilibrium in the new environment (Milner & Khawaja, 2010). This balancing act requires recognizing the diversity of people's experiences, which includes considerations of culture, educational attainment (Harris & Marlowe, 2011), family support, and gender (De Souza, 2012;Hatoss & Huijser, 2010).…”

Challenges to Employment in Newly Emerging African Communities in Australia: A Review of the Literature

“…Additional challenges to employment for women include family responsibility; lack of access to childcare; and challenges associated with cultural norms (Haque 2005;Hatoss & Huijser 2010). The Northern Territory Working Women's Centre (2008) draws out the interconnectedness between these employment barriers and general implications for community participation and engagement.…”