Sport as a Policy-led Tool for the Integration and Resettlement of Refugee Backgrounded Women

Sport is often used as a policy tool to resettle and integrate refugees. However, refugee men prevail as the main participants, not only in sporting programs, but also within the research that informs the sport and resettlement agenda. The role of sport in resettlement and the daily lives of refugee women and girls is less well understood. This research examined how sport is used as a policy tool to integrate refugee backgrounded women and girls living in Melbourne, Australia. Findings showed how policies marginalise refugee women and girls, and how grassroots sport contexts can increase inclusion of refugee and culturally diverse women and girls.