“You Have to Go Gently”: Mentors’ Perspectives of a Peer Mentoring Empowerment Program to Reduce Marginalization in Refugee and Migrant Women

Abstract

The Empowerment and Peer Mentoring of Migrant and Refugee Women pilot program (EMPOWER) provides a mechanism for migrant women who have established lives in Australia to mentor newly arrived women to build the ability, confidence, and knowledge to overcome barriers to the social determinants of health such as employment. Female migrant mentors (n = 21) met with their mentees (n = 32) on a regular basis over a period of 3 to 12 months between September 2019 and November 2021. The individual mentoring was augmented by group workshops facilitated by content experts and the research team. The unique perspectives of the mentors were explored through individual interviews (n = 15) and analysis of journal entries (n = 58) submitted regularly by mentors throughout the program. Thematic analysis revealed that mentors were intrinsically motivated to build strong and trusting connections with their mentees, which were pivotal to reducing inequalities for mentees and their families. Mentors had high expectations of themselves and demonstrated commitment and flexibility to accommodate mentees’ needs. However, they sometimes struggled when supporting mentees who were overwhelmed by the systemic and other stressors associated with resettlement and pre-migration trauma. Regular networking and moral support for mentors would enhance future programs.

Refugee Women Business Mentors: New Evidence for Women’s Empowerment

“…Several studies have investigated the impact of using a refugee or peer mentoring approach to support newly arrived refugees [45][46][47][48]. Both Paloma et al [29] and Gower et al [49] found that mentors' empowerment increased during the mentoring duration. Krisi and Nagar [50], drawing on "helper theory" [51], report mentors feeling empowered after their mentoring experience.…”

Inequality, Diversity, Institutions and Social Cohesion: Unveiling the Importance of Access to Opportunities

“…Research showed that countries with more inclusive policies promoting equal access experienced higher levels of social cohesion and decreased social divisions (Plagerson, 2023). Furthermore, Gower et al (2022) determined that programs such as mentorship schemes and skill-building workshops that are conducted at the community level can be bene cial in enabling individuals who are at a disadvantage and bolstering relationships between members of the same community. In sum, this study outlines the intricate association between diversity, disparity, foundations, and social solidarity.…”