This thesis examines the widespread occurrence of rape of women and girls in conflict and refugee settings. It contains many horrendous and complex case studies of rape and sexual violence. Using an intersectional framework, a range of theories is used to analyse these and in doing so the compounding effects of rape and sexual abuse in conflict and refugee situations is identified. The study uses a feminist action research methodology, involving seven complex cycles. These involve field work in Kenya and Thailand and are informed by the theoretical frameworks of post-colonial feminism, critical and anti-oppressive social work, and human rights. The study explores the silences surrounding rape and the reasons why major advances in international law and policy have had such little impact. It begins with an examination of the systematic use of rape as a strategy of war and the ways in which this is addressed in law, policy and practice. It then examines the impact and sequelae of rape on refugee women and girls. This focuses on exploring the reasons for the continued failure of the Women at Risk (WaR) Program to fulfil its potential. An extensive range of risk factors is explored. The almost complete failure of measures to protect refugee women and girls is documented. During the field work, a new research methodology which draws on community development and human rights principles is developed to ensure that the voices and agency of refugee women and girls are included. The study examines the lack of viable risk identification and response mechanisms and critiques the frequent failure to actively involve refugee women in finding and implementing solutions. It also identifies a number of political and ideological barriers, including the damaging impact of negative staff attitudes and the continued characterisation of refugee women as universally vulnerable and oppressed by their cultural contexts. In an activist approach to theory and practice, the study draws on a range of theories to understand the problems and to inform advocacy for changes in policy and practice. These include the development of new tools, law and policy informed by anti-oppressive participatory rights based approaches.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/279664 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Bartolomei, Linda Albina, Social Sciences & International Studies, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, UNSW |
| Publisher | Awarded by:University of New South Wales. Social Sciences & International Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | Copyright Bartolomei Linda Albina., http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright |
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