Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging (EDIB)

At SH Research Collective, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are foundational to everything we do. We recognize that sexual and reproductive health experiences are shaped by many intersecting identities, including race, gender, sexuality, immigration status, ability, and more.

Our approach is rooted in feminist, anti-racist, and postcolonial frameworks, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is welcomed, respected, and centered.

Colored wooden human figurines arranged in rows, representing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.

What EDIB Means to Us

  • Equity: We work to remove systemic barriers — including stigma, language, cost, and immigration precarity — that limit access to sexual and reproductive health services.

  • Diversity: We honour the wide range of experiences within South Asian women and LGBTQ+ international student communities.

  • Inclusion: We create spaces where participants can share openly and meaningfully, without judgment.

  • Belonging: Participants are partners in this work, not subjects. We strive for a sense of trust, ownership, and community in everything we do.

Close-up of the progressive rainbow pride flag, showing red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and pink stripes.

How We Put EDIB Into Practice

  • Community-Led Approach: We co-develop research with community partners, practitioners, and people with lived experience.

  • Culturally Safe & Trauma-Informed Methods: Our processes prioritize care, confidentiality, and respect for diverse worldviews.

  • Accessible Engagement: We use multilingual materials, flexible participation options, and safe, inclusive outreach practices.

  • Accountability & Learning: We continuously reflect, seek feedback, and refine our practices to ensure our work remains equitable and inclusive.