Migrant and refugee women’s attitudes, experiences and responses to sexual harassment in the workplace

“Ultimately, [workplace] sexual harassment is about power, isn’t it?”

Disclaimer: ANROWS webinars bring together a diverse range of speakers on a particular topic, informed by the evidence base, lived expertise, and policy and practice knowledge. The views expressed by speakers or other third parties in ANROWS webinars and any subsequent materials are those of the speaker or third party and not, necessarily, of ANROWS.

Migrant and refugee women: A national study of experiences of, understandings of and responses to sexual harassment in the workplace was launched Tuesday 20 August 2024.

The report was launched by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody, with lead researcher, Professor Marie Segrave (University of Melbourne) speaking to the report’s findings and their implications.

This study, unique both nationally and internationally, explores the experiences of workplace sexual harassment for migrant and refugee women. It holds stories from a diverse group of migrant and refugee women: from temporary visa holders to citizens; from women in well-resourced, high-earning industries and positions to women working in low-paid or precarious labour; and women from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.

Drawn from interviews, focus groups, and a national survey, the findings on workplace sexual harassment speak to the broader context of what it means to be “safe” at work, and the intersections with other workplace harms, such as racial discrimination – including cultural myths and stereotypes – and exploitative work conditions. Findings around reporting and workplace responses to disclosures will inform work to better account for these intersections between different forms of workplace harms.