Peer-led Intervention
Model of Social Work with Asian and Iranian
Immigrant Women
Manoj Pardasani
Indiana University
Immigrants face a diverse array of challenges
as they begin the process of living in a foreign culture and environment.
The process of acculturation is a complex and life-long process
for most immigrants. As immigrants confront their predicaments
as strangers, and engage in the process of acculturation, they
begin to undergo a gradual process of personal transformation beyond
their original cultural parameters and toward a more inclusive
and less categorical self-conception and self-other orientation.
However, this process is stressful and places a strain on relationships,
as well as the individual psyche. Additionally, customs and traditions
that may be viewed as appropriate or acceptable in one's country
of origin may not be viewed similarly in the host environment.
For immigrant women, the process of acculturation and cross-cultural
adaptation also includes an examination of their perceptions and
beliefs about their traditional roles, religious expectations, duties
and their status as members of a new, radically different society.
Numerous studies have shown that immigrant women (Asian, Middle-Eastern
and Latino) and elders are the most vulnerable to abuse, mistreatment,
violence or oppression, but are the least likely to seek social services
or any form of help, outside of the familial system Social workers
have developed numerous techniques to reach out, support and empower
such women. However, cultural differences, divergent views and expectations,
lack of trust and fear of stigmatization within the close-knit immigrant
communities, thwart this process. SAKHI, a South Asian women's organization
located in New Jersey , has developed a peer-led model of service
that assists immigrant women seeking help for issues ranging from
domestic violence, acculturation struggles and marital strain to
immigration assistance. This model will provide a step-by-step guide
of how to establish a peer-led, empowerment-based model of social
service that is culturally sensitive, appropriate and safe for Iranian
women, both immigrants and US-born.
