Centering Young South Asian Women and Gender Diverse People in Career Development Research: Lessons from a Community-Action Approach in the Greater Toronto Area

South Asian communities have immigrated to Canada since the late 19th century and now form 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 an increasingly significant part of the workforce, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

While substantial research exists on career development and unemployment among racialized youth broadly, there remains a significant gap in understanding the specific career development and workforce experiences of young South Asian women and gender diverse individuals (ages 18–30) living and/or working in Canada. This group includes both first- and second-generation Canadians who navigate layered realities shaped by migration histories, racialization, gender norms, intergenerational expectations, and systemic barriers. To address this gap, the South Asian Women’s Collective (SAWC) led a two-year community action research project grounded in lived experiences and community knowledge. The project emerged directly from years of grassroots programming and gatherings, where young South Asian women consistently shared challenges related to: