Exploring the Intersections of Migration, Gender, and Sexual Health with Indonesian Women in Perth, Western Australia

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 21;19(20):13707. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013707.

Abstract

This paper explores the intersections of migration, gender, and sexual health with Indonesian women living in Perth, Western Australia. The study was part of a larger participatory action research project to co-design an intervention to increase HIV testing in migrant Indonesian women. Unstructured interviews were conducted with adult Indonesian women (n = 10) on their experiences of migration and sexual health. Zimmerman's migration phases (pre-departure and travel, destination, and return) provided a framework to conceptualize women's migration journeys. We found that women's migration journeys were shaped by gender, with male-led migration often reinforcing gender norms. Structural and sociocultural factors (including visa status) influenced women's sense of belonging while living in Australia, such as help-seeking behaviour and engagement in sexual relationships. Intersecting factors of gender, culture, and the migration process should be considered when designing public health interventions to improve women's sexual health, in particular migration policies and procedures.

Keywords: gender; intersectionality; migrant; sexual health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Indonesia / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Health*
  • Western Australia / epidemiology

Grants and funding

This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.