This presentation examines the intersectional gender oppression that immigrant and refugee women living with HIV/risk endure. A comprehensive systematic study was conducted to obtain critical knowledge of the ways that sexism, racism, and social stigma interact to heighten the vulnerability of racialized immigrant and refugee women living with HIV/risk in Canada. 19 of the 588 unique studies that were found through database searches and other techniques fit the predetermined inclusion criteria. With an emphasis on the dual experiences of GBV and HIV/risk that immigrant and refugee women encounter, the socio-ecological preventative framework was utilized to analyze the gathered data. The Four major themes emerged in the data analysis, including a) hegemonic masculinity, b) structural violence, c) disparities in health, social services, and supports, and d) deepened social isolation and exclusion. The absence of critical discourse on the experiences, rights, and service needs of racialized IRWLH/HIV-Risk and GBV by researchers, policymakers, health and social service providers, and community actors. It is imperative that future research endeavors concentrate on increasing cognizance about the noteworthy hetero-patriarchal and racist elements that significantly influence these women's lives. The dehumanization of IRWLH/GBV and the monetization of immigrants, refugees, and sex workers necessitate transformative reform to address concerns of racism and objectification of women. Policies and programs should, in general, prioritize the perspectives of racialized IRWLH/HIV-Risk and be grounded in an anti-oppressive, culturally appropriate, and primary preventive approach.

Authors:
Rita Dhungel, University of the Fraser Valley, Canada
Liza Lorenzetti, University of Calgary, Canada
Dianne Lorenzetti, University of Calgary, Canada
Karun Karki, University of the Fraser Valley, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Rita Dhungel is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at University of the Fraser Valley in Canada

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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