Making meaning of female-specific trauma, cultural patriarchy, and gender minimisation pre, during, and after the refugee journey from the perspective of women and those who support them

Introduction: A worldwide rapid increase in human displacement due to war, environmental disasters, and man-made traumatic events has contributed to scarce research on gender-specific refugee trauma impacting women. Through the lens of women, formerly refugees, and support personnel, this thesis sought subjective insights of women from patriarchal cultures, where gender minimisation reduces self-perception and life choices, including self-seeking post-settlement support. Method: This thesis reviews existing literature and methodological choices, emphasising the importance of collectivist versus individual support practices, opportunities for primary and vicarious growth, and support dynamics within ‘old’ and ‘new’ refugee communities. The study offers policy suggestions and program ideas for supporting women with former refugee backgrounds, marking a critical exploration of female-specific refugee trauma, recovery, and growth trajectories in forced migration contexts. Following two descriptive reviews, and approval from the University Human Research Ethics Committee, four idiographic studies explored the lived experiences of ten women who resettled in Australia over a decade ago, and eight support personnel who assisted women in refugee communities. Semi-structured interviews provided in-depth data. Each data set was transcribed verbatim and analysed individually, then collectively using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: The study’s key findings highlight five themes: First, Gender-Specific Trauma underscores gaps in UN documentation and ongoing gender-specific traumas in host countries. Second, Collectivist Support Systems contribute to ecological and post-trauma growth but reveal risks of hierarchy and exclusivity. Third, Policy and Service Delivery inadequately address refugee women’s needs and vulnerabilities. Fourth, Communal Adaptation and Growth advances primary and vicarious growth theory through a collectivist framework. Finally, Vicarious Exposure to Positive Systemic Support is protective against burnout for support personnel. Conclusion: The thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of the gender-specific refugee experience and suggests actionable pathways for fostering primary and vicarious posttraumatic growth and ecologically effective support systems for women refugees.