KPU study seeks South Asian students to examine sexual and reproductive health

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is seeking South Asian students for a research study on their sexual and reproductive health experiences and challenges. Led by KPU researcher Dr. Sunny Mangat, the project focuses on South Asian women and South Asian LGBTQ+ students. It will examine barriers international and domestic students face when navigating health services in B.C., as well as factors that may leave them vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and other harms.

Mangat said the project grew out of repeated conversations with students, service providers and community organizations who had seen similar challenges firsthand. A criminology instructor at KPU, she said students often come to her office with problems and do not know whom to approach. Some students have told her they had never come out to anyone before. She said the study aims to create space for students and document their experiences.

The study is supported by a $357,883 College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Researchers will look at how cultural, informational and systemic factors shape students’ experiences and access to care.

Topics include seeking reproductive health care, such as abortion and services related to sexually transmitted infections; finding support after sexual violence or exploitation; understanding reporting options; and concerns such as threats of deportation. The findings are intended to help inform policies, programs and services that support student health and well-being.

The project builds on earlier community conversations about gender-based violence and health equity. Mangat said universities and institutions at every level need to provide more support and recognize that marginalized people have different needs. She described raising awareness that these experiences are happening, rather than dismissing them as rumours, as a first step toward developing better supports with communities and institutions.

Community organizations will have a key role in outreach and engagement. One is Surrey-based Poetic Justice Foundation, which creates content and runs workshops and events addressing social inequalities and bias. Co-founder and director Anita Lal said South Asian students often carry their struggles in silence, and support systems do not always see the full picture when students reach out. She said organizations must understand barriers to care, including immigration fears, language, stigma, family pressure and caste.

Students interested in taking part can email shresearch@kpu.ca or contact Mangat directly at sundeep.mangat@kpu.ca.