Migrant and refugee women in Australia: A study of sexual harassment in the workplace

Abstract

This report provides a detailed examination of the sexual harassment experiences of migrant and refugee women in Australian workplaces. The study is the first of its kind to explore these experiences at a national level and focuses on understanding how sexual harassment manifests for these women, the forms it takes, and the responses it elicits. Using a non-probability sample of 701 migrant and refugee women, the research highlights the significant challenges faced by these groups, particularly those in temporary or casual employment roles. The findings reveal the prevalence of sexual harassment, the identity of the harassers, the perceived motivations behind the harassment, and the various responses to incidents. The study underscores the need for targeted policies and support mechanisms that address the unique vulnerabilities of migrant and refugee women in the workplace, linking the findings to broader national and international commitments to workplace safety and gender equity.