GW Monogram

GW Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health

Milken Institute School of Public Health

FINAL.

South Asian Women's Research Initiative (SAWRI)

Research:

Intersecting Epidemics: Intimate Partner Violence, Stress, and Diabetes Among South Asian Women in the United StatesAddressing a Growing Community’s Health Needs: Project SAHNA (South Asian Health Needs Assessment)Addressing the health needs of south Asians: The community perspectiveExploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian-American WomenInfertility, Gynecologic Disorders, and Chronic Disease: Pathways to Improved Care for South Asian WomenIs There a Link Between Childhood Family Violence and Adult Health? Understanding Family Violence Amongst South Asian American WomenUnderstanding Health, Violence, and Acculturation Among South Asian Women in the US

Our Work:

SAWRI builds on more than a decade of research, evaluation, and community partnerships focused on South Asian women’s health, resilience, and equity in the U.S.

​​There are over 5.4 million South Asians living in the United States, comprising of individuals with family origins from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. South Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing populations, yet there remains limited data on the health and well-being of this immigrant and minority population.

Themes We Explore:

  • Reproductive justice & autonomy: Investigating barriers to contraception and abortion access among South Asian women, and how policy, culture, and stigma influence care.

     

  • Childhood experiences of Violence & Intimate Partner Violence: Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data to better understand the prevalence and patterns of violence affecting South Asian women in the U.S.

     

  • Mental health & well-being: Exploring how acculturation, cultural identity, family expectations, and belonging shape stress, coping, and well-being among South Asian women.

Current and past projects include:

  • The South Asian Women’s Health Study: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Well-Being and Life Experiences - The study examined several key domains related to South Asian American women’s health, including demographics, reproductive history, chronic disease diagnoses, physical activity, sleep, and stress. It also examined experiences of childhood violence and intimate partner violence, along with acculturation-related factors and lifestyle behaviors that may influence health outcomes. 

     

  • The South Asian American College Health Study: Understanding Physical and Mental Well-being in a Growing Minority Population

     

  • Storytelling for Social Change - Using narrative methods to shift cultural norms, challenge stigma, and promote collective healing and resilience.

     

  • Mentorship and Leadership Development - Supporting the next generation of South Asian scholars and public health professionals through mentorship, writing collaborations, and applied research training.