Bhutanese Women’s Advocacy group
Settlement itself is a challenging process and the new arrivals face a number of issues brought on by isolation due to language and culture barrier in a new environment. The formation of the support groups meet their specific needs in psychological support, especially in group activities. The target group is Bhutanese women of ages 21-85 who need culturally sensitive support. The mix in ages is meaningful as the women enjoy the mutual friendship and close cultural bond. The single younger women need the support of the older experienced women while the older women enjoy their company. They grow and learn side by side.
The overall goal of the Women’s Support Group is to help the Bhutanese women adjust to the new life in Australia.
There are three support groups consisting of 50 women. The first group are the Be Ready for Jobs which encourage them to become volunteers and interpreters. They are provided pre-vocational support and training in career pathways.
The second group is the Bhutanese Women Advocacy Group which provides general support in information regarding women’s rights, parenting and settlement with aim to engage the women in meaningful group activities to reduce isolation.
The third group is Side by Side Support Group which addresses specific women’s needs in psychological and health related issues.
This safe and supportive environment will assist them in processing their adjustment issues.
The women develop confidence, friendship and better understanding of the Australian way of life. They become empowered and better informed. They are gaining confidence in approaching services for support.
The participants can feel confident with their personal ways to cope their resettlement issues and get feelings of encouragement and compassion during the group sessions.
The women who have been establishing their life successfully after their arrival in Australia want to support other new arrivals and the advocacy group plans to have many activities in future.
Read more:
Submitted by:
Nancy Adiya
Counsellor
MRCSA
59 King William St , Adelaide, SA, 5000
ph:08 8217 9500
email: nancy@mrcsa.com.au
web: www.mrcsa.com.au
Categories:
Categories:Advocacy, Community Development, Employment, Other, Women
Themes:Psychological support, new arrivals, resettlement issues, health, housing, education, employment, parenting
Release Date:24-Jun-2009
Date of Study:24-Jun-2009
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