Refugee and Asylum Seeker Women’s Experiences with Healthcare and Social Environment in Malaysia

Abstract

The internal conflict in Rakhine State, Myanmar over the last few decades has forced Rohingyas to flee to other countries, including Malaysia. However, the non-recognition of the status of refugees in Malaysia keeps Rohingyas as “people without documents” and without adequate protection, access to healthcare services, education, and employment. Women among these groups face different challenges and are at risk of numerous physical and mental health issues. Thus, this research attempted to understand the experiences of Rohingya women in Malaysia, particularly in accessing public hospitals. Focus group discussions and key-informant interview techniques were used to collect data. The transcripts were then analysed using the thematic analysis method. The research found that Rohingya women experience numerous challenges despite being on safer ground in Malaysia. Their experiences of marriage and domestic violence, access to public hospitals, financial barriers to healthcare services, and the services provided by medical social workers in the country to refugees and asylum seekers are presented. Non-recognition of the status of refugees in the country is one of the primary barriers to the allocation and provision of resources for refugees and asylum seekers. Due to structural barriers, medical social workers are unable to provide their services to this population. This article provides recommendations for social workers in Malaysia on how to overcome these challenges and work more effectively with refugees and asylum seekers.

A Review of Refugee and Gender Theories for an Anti-Oppresive Social Work Practice with Refugee Women and Girls in Malaysia

“…In the case of refugee women, they face additional challenges in the form of care work and lack of or opportunities for income-generating activities. Refugee women often face these obstacles, including in accessing formal employment due to factors such as language barriers, lack of relevant skills and work experience (Nazri et al, 2022;Rajaratnam & Azman, 2022). This is particularly challenging in times of crisis such as war and human conflict, as male mortality rates tend to be higher than female mortality rates (Affleck et al, 2018) leaving women and other family members to support themselves.…”