Community Action Research Project
Exploring the Career Development and Employment Needs of Young South Asian Women and Gender Diverse Individuals Across the Greater Toronto Area
About the Community Action Research Project
South Asian communities have immigrated to Canada since the late 19th century, now forming the country’s largest racialized group, with over 2.3 million people (Statistics Canada, 2021). Many South Asian-Canadian youth, including second-generation Canadians and young immigrants, are now a significant part of the workforce, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area.
While much research exists on career development and unemployment of racialized youth, little attention has been given to the career development and workforce experiences of young South Asian women and gender diverse individuals living and/or working in Canada . Members of this group include first and second-generation Canadians, who are influenced by both their distinct ethnic and racial history and their personal experiences (Sundar, 2008).
To fill this research gap, the South Asian Women’s Collective led a 2 year community action research project to better understand the career development and employment needs of young South Asian women and gender diverse individuals (between the ages of 18-30) living across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The motivation to lead this research stemmed from several years of programming and gatherings led by SAWC in the community, and the continuous stories shared by young women on the challenges and barriers experienced with navigating career pathways, finding employment, and advancing in their careers.
Watch the Video
This video showcases stories from community leaders, South Asian women, and the research team at the Bold Futures Events Series hosted in Toronto, Brampton, and Markham. Speakers in the video share their reflections, challenges, and strategies on the unique experiences of young South Asian women navigating the workforce.
Featuring:
Seema Taneja, Research Advisor & Consultant
Akosua Alagaratnam, Executive Director, First Work
Vibha Vohra Bhalla, Senior Director, ACCES Employment
Almeera Khalid, Research Project Lead, South Asian Women’s Collective
Dr. Gursharan Virdee, Psychologist, Co-Founder of Spirit of Health
Dr. Anju Philip, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo
Herleen Arora, Co-Founder and Managing Director of South Asian Women’s Collective
Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi, Founder, Divity Group and Accelerate Her Future
Anshika Kushwaha, Program Manager, Toronto Workforce Funders Collaborative
Manvir Bhangu, Executive Director, Laadliyan
Sumeet Shergill, Program Manager, Laadliyan
Ayesha Syed, Co-Founder and Advisor, South Asian Women’s Collective
Athusha Puvanendra, Policy Advisor
Tehreem Fatima, Advocacy Manager, Fora Network for Change
Kinya Baker, Manager of DEI, City of Markham
Read the Full Report
Alongside the video, South Asian Women’s Collective wrote a report sharing key findings from the survey and consultations conducted with young South Asian women living across the Greater Toronto Area.
The findings inform evidence gaps, and provide recommendations that focus on parents, employers, educational institutions, and policy makers.
Link to Executive Summary (pdf)
Link to Calls to Action (pdf)
Contact Herleen Arora, Co-founder and Managing Director at info@sawcollective.ca to learn more about the research project and get involved with the South Asian Women’s Collective
This project was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and trusteed by ACSA Community Services.