Reproducing history

Aboriginal women in a remote community in the Northern Territory

PhD thesis by Sarah Ireland – Menzies School of Health Research

Thesis

Working with the permission of, and in partnership with, Aboriginal women, My doctoral research explores the social, cultural and historical factors underlying women’s health in one remote community in the Northern Territory. My research is linked to the work of the Lowitja Institute’s Program 2, which aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop wellbeing and resilience.

Background

I am a PhD student at Menzies School of Health Research and I am also a remote area midwife and nurse. My research interests are in cross-cultural reproductive and sexual health, especially in remote Australian Aboriginal communities. My previous research includes work around the clinical outcomes and experiences of Aboriginal women who reject travel to urban centres and instead give birth in their home communities.

Related resources:

• Ireland, S., Narjic, C.W., Belton, S., Saggers, S. & McGrath, A., 2015, Jumping around: exploring young women’s behaviour and knowledge in relation to sexual health in a remote Aboriginal Australian community, Culture, Health & Sexuality, vol. 17, no.1, pp. 1–16.
• Aboriginal women keeping quiet during pregnancy to avoid ‘sit down’ births in Darwin, researcher says, 28 Nov 2014, ABC Darwin.
• Lowitja Institute Scholarship Holders