Griffith University supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Exploring secondary-visa holder migrant women’s career development in Australia

Sogol Yazdankhoo

Please note that this is an on-going project.

Project Description

In migration contexts from economically developing countries to developed nations, it is often the men who assume the role of primary applicants, even if the women’s qualifications or experiences generate substantial income. Women frequently migrate to maintain family unity rather than to advance their own financial standing or develop careers. Accompanying migrant women represent a distinct group undergoing significant transitions as they adapt to the uncertainties of post-migration life. These transitions present a range of challenges and opportunities in their career development, often requiring additional support. This research aims to explore the career development of secondary-visa holder migrant women and provide a space for the emergence of their local voices and narratives that are relevant to their career development.

Project Personnel and Beneficiaries

In this research project, southern migrant women who arrived in Australia as secondary applicants are referred to as secondary visa-holders. Therefore, these migrant women are identified as Secondary-Visa Holder Migrant Women (SVMW) in this research project.

The participants in this research project will be divided into two groups including current SVMW in Australia, and former SVMW (consisting of women who entered Australia with a secondary visa within the past 20 years, but later became Australian citizens or permanent residents). Each group will comprise four diverse sub-groups representing different Australian visa categories, including spouses and partners of international students, skilled workers, and refugees.

Outcomes to Date

A systematic literature review revealed that most existing research predominantly addresses specific aspects of migrant women’s career development such as challenges, strategies to overcome barriers and entrepreneurship pathways. Although the studies often proposed designing programs to support migrant women’s economic integration, these approaches overlooked migrant women as a heterogeneous group with specific experiences in career development due to their unique migration circumstances post-migration. Consequently, to gain a comprehensive understanding of migrant women’s career development post-migration, it is crucial to amplify the voices and narrative nuances. From a social justice standpoint, addressing the needs of secondary-visa holder migrant women entails ensuring equitable access to resources and life opportunities, considering whether these resources are culturally responsive.

Project Significance

Migrant women’s career development challenges encompass barriers to employment, which represent a pressing social issue and pose obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly gender equity (SDG5) in receiving countries.

The UN SDGs cover a comprehensive vision for all of life and development in health, education, environment, justice, security, and equality. Migration holds significant relevance within the framework of the SDGs, considering its impact on health, education, equality, and advancing sustainable development.

Attending to migrant women’s career development in their post-migration context, the focus of the present study, could provide insights into the challenges they face (SDG5), uncover factors affecting quality career access, which in turn contributes to economic growth (SDG8), and address specific inequalities (SDG10).

Co-authors
Prof. Donna McAuliffe, Dr. Peyman Abkhezr, Dr. Mary McMahon
Project start
Apr 2023
Academic area
School of Health Sciences and Social Work
Project type
Project location
  • Gold Coast
Project geographical impact
  • International
  • National
Publication date
November 8, 2024
Last updated
9:29 am, November 8, 2024