Culturally aware climate adaptation strategies: learning from the experiences of first-generation migrant women in Australia

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to understand the experiences of first-generation migrant women in Australia, to help inform culturally aware climate adaptation strategies. Design/methodology/approach – The study took a deductive qualitative approach following a focus group with eight first-generation migrant women from non-Western backgrounds currently living in the Australian capital territory (ACT), Australia (ages 18–60, from Africa, Asia, South America and the Pacific). Findings – Participants felt that being migrants shaped their knowledge and perception of climate change events and adaptation, and gender-specific, cultural and intergenerational factors influenced their responses to both acute and chronic climate change impacts. The authors conclude that first-generation migrant women in the ACT possess unique experiences that can inform culturally aware climate change adaptation strategies. Originality/value – Migrants have valuable insight through their lived experience of navigating the impacts of climate change across multiple contexts. Women serve as a cornerstone for strong communities and often bear the responsibility of seeing to the health and comfort of their households. To the best of the +authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative exploration of migrant women’s voices in the ACT to inform climate change adaptation strategies.