Introduction
Immigrant women from non-English speaking Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds are an integral part of Australia’s growing regional communities. However, many experience invisibility due to language barriers, cultural differences, social isolation, and limited access to essential services, intensified by regional migration. Nurses, as frontline care providers, could benefit from a greater understanding of the lived experiences of CALD women and how healthcare services can better support their social inclusion and well-being. This study explores the barriers and facilitators to inclusion among childbearing immigrant women in Northern New South Wales (NNSW), with a focus on nursing’s role in improving visibility, access, and policy development.
Methods
A phenomenological qualitative approach was adopted to capture the lived experiences of seven participants across NNSW. Recruitment was conducted through partnerships with TAFE, Tresillian Family Health Care, and NNSW Health Districts, with five more women to be recruited. Promotion occurred via key contacts, word of mouth, flyers, and snowball sampling. Data collection includes individual and focus group interviews (three to four participants per group), which are audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpreters were not used. Data were double-coded, and themes were inductively analysed.
Results
Interim findings reveal five themes: feeling overlooked, unrecognized, socially disconnected, culturally alienated, and lacking representation or voice. CALD women face systemic barriers to healthcare, limited employment prospects, and social isolation. Further exploration is needed to understand the full impact of these challenges and identify effective interventions.
Conclusion
Preliminary findings suggest systemic barriers hinder CALD women’s access to health and social services. Addressing these issues may require policy reforms, workforce training, and inclusive healthcare models. Nurses are well-positioned to bridge these gaps through culturally responsive care, improved communication, and community engagement. They can also advocate for tailored interventions, health literacy programs, and policies that empower CALD women.