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    Why long-term welfare beneficiaries? : a study of barriers to employment for refugees from the Horn of Africa living in Auckland : a thesis submitted to fulfil the requirements of the degree of Master of Philosophy in Public Policy, Massey University
    (Massey University, 2003) Tito, Hilton
    The rationale for writing this thesis was prompted by years of working with displaced people and refugees in Africa. Though the African people north of the equator are generally regarded as transient people, very few move beyond the boundaries of the continent of Africa. The instability of the political and socio-economic conditions on the continent has exacerbated the current volatile cycle of poverty and human instability. The effects of the political and socio-economic conditions have resulted in a huge displacement of people and the emergence of refugees. Few refugees are able to be identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for resettlement outside Africa, while others take the courageous step of fleeing and seeking refuge on another continent as asylum seekers. In 1960 New Zealand ascribed to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of refugees and actively participated in a refugee quota programme and allowed asylum seekers to apply for refugee status. In an endeavour to answer the question "why long-term welfare beneficiaries" in relation to African people, this thesis analysed the integration process of African people and sought to establish what domestic or public policies impact or influence the settlement and integration of refugees and asylum seekers in New Zealand. While there are many factors that influence successful integration, however this study identifies barriers to sustainable employment as one of the major contributors. The literature review and the outcome of the research undertaken showed that barriers to employment do exist for refugees and asylum seekers. The literature review analyses the legal aspect that defines a refugee and also outlines the process followed for the determination of quota refugees. The review further describes the journey of the study population to New Zealand. New Zealand has an established welfare system therefore the study traces the discourse within welfare history and policy that relate to the criteria and obligations under which benefits are granted to refugees and asylum seekers. It is argued that present jobseeker agreements and work test provisions when agreed upon does assist the development and work readiness of the refugee and asylum seeker and does not contribute to long-term welfare beneficiaries. It is concluded that the absence of an overarching national domestic or public policy on settlement and integration could contribute to long-term welfare beneficiaries (as defined in the welfare policy of the Ministry for Social Development). In conclusion, policy changes to certain aspects of the Social Security Act 1964, language training, organs of civil society intervention and employer interaction need to be addressed in relation to refugees from the Horn of Africa living in New Zealand to allow them to become employable in a shorter period of time.
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    Genitally mutilated women in the Wellington Region : a study of their health needs : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing, Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Kambaran, Nisha
    The purpose of this study was to explore the health care needs of a group of Somali women in the Wellington region. Using a qualitative research method, two open-ended questions were put to Somali women in a focus group setting. The health care needs of the Somali women in relation to female genital mutilation were explored. The data generated in the group discussions were recorded. Thematic content analysis was applied to the data. Categories and major themes were extracted from the data, which constituted the findings of this study. The findings of the study demonstrated that the identity of Somali women is defined by female genital mutilation (fgm). The findings also included physical health and childbirth perspectives that emerged and shaped the discussion. The findings are supported by some of the literature on female genital mutilation except that the Somali women in this study consider the consequences of fgm as a very normal part of their life and that of women. The Somali women do not view their health consequences as 'problems'. The findings also demonstrated a need for bridging the gap between the understanding of the cultural practice of female genital mutilation and the related health effects and the ways in which the health professionals can meet the health care needs of Somali women living in Wellington.
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    Women new settlers : groupwork in resettlement : psychodrama with refugee and immigrant women living in Auckland, New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in the School of Social and Cultural Studies, Massey University
    (Massey University, 2002) Mendelsohn, Estelle
    This research set out to explore whether psychodramatic groupwork was acceptable and useful for refugee and immigrant women resettling in Auckland, New Zealand. Over eighty sessions have been run by the author and her team, for women from many ethnic backgrounds, predominantly from India, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Psychodramatic groupwork run by a multicultural team which offers therapeutic processes relevant to coping with trauma related to premigration and current events had never been offered in New Zealand. The feminist research paradigm used incorporated qualitative methodologies and methods based on what the women brought forth in sessions. The group work which also included creative arts therapies, and contributions from the women, was acceptable and useful to many of the women, based on self-report and team observations. Groupwork for refugee and immigrant women coping with resettlement in New Zealand has rarely been part of policy and service delivery, despite recommendations from United Nations agencies. Gender analysis of government policies is now a requirement for some government departments in New Zealand. There is no such requirement with respect to the Department of Labour which deals with refugee and immigrant women. It is also rare to find such issues addressed in relevant research from non-government sources. A review of literature from several discourses revealed the importance of including gender-sensitive policies and practice for refugee and immigrant women in resettlement. In particular, feminist research indicated that areas of inequity and invisibility that affect women in wider contexts can have even more damaging effects for these groups of women. As women establish themselves in countries such as New Zealand, changes in legislative contexts related to more human rights for women can produce more equity but also more isolation from their ethnic communities. An ecological context model which incorporated dynamic change was evolved to reflect the many variables involved. Key informants supported recommendations for women-only therapeutic groups amongst other services for refugees and immigrants and that such services are not overtly linked to mental health organizations.. Further research is recommended in many domains, including exploration of gendered differences at all contextual levels. Further research on groupwork with refugee women who have suffered many traumas and losses is particularly recommended. Research on the similarities for refugee and immigrant women would also contribute to the field. Such research could be concurrent with provision of well-funded groupwork services with adequate infrastructures to support the work.