A coproductive participatory research project with community researchers from migrant backgrounds
Community consultations with migrant women and other stakeholders in Shepparton identified concerns about underutilisation of migrant women’s skills, qualifications and aspirations as a priority for research.
Issues highlighted in preliminary consultations included limited education and/or employment opportunities, restrictive visas and a lack of recognition of prior skills, qualifications and experience. Women frequently take on a greater carer load within families, and may have fewer opportunities than men to gain new skills, including English language.
The university research team will work with community researchers from migrant backgrounds using a mixed methods, coproductive participatory research approach to better understand refugee and migrant women’s employment aspirations, skills, experience and qualifications. Analyses will also consider the opportunity cost to women, the community and to the region of underutilising these attributes.
University-based researchers
Professor Karen Block, Deputy Director of Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Dr Meg Lee, Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Charlene Edwards, Manager of Melbourne Social Equity Institute and Director of the Community Fellows Program
Community researchers
Shaza Alsmail
Kalina Mali Muli
Muzhgan Qazikhil
My Heart Is Always For The Community': Migrant Women's Skills, Qualifications, and Aspirations In and For the Shepparton Region
Launched on Thursday 17 September 2026 at a community event in Shepparton
This report was shaped from the outset by conversations with migrant and refugee community members, community leaders and local organisations about local research priorities. An Advisory Committee of local stakeholders, community leaders and researchers, including women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, provided guidance throughout the project.
Radio
Interview with Karen Block and Shaza Alsmail on ABC Statewide Mornings, Friday 18 September 2026
For information about this project, please contact:
Professor Karen Block
Email: keblock@unimelb.edu.au
Charlene Edwards
Email: charlene.edwards@unimelb.edu.au