Researcher Sunny Mangat is raising critical questions about violence against women in South Asian and Indian communities. 
“Violence against women is not restricted to the South Asian community, nor is it restricted to India. This is a global issue that needs to be addressed,” says Mangat, who plans to expand her research into sexual violence against South Asian women as a PhD candidate in 2015. 
After completing her BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, Mangat moved to London, UK where she completed her Master’s degree from City University in International Politics and Human Rights, with a focus on sexual violence against South Asian woman in India. 
Women are shaped by multi-faceted components such as religion, caste, class, geography and age. “What is the response of the community, police, medical and political community? What can we do to evoke change?” Mangat asks.
Mangat recently launched a campaign called South Asian Woman Against Violence Against Women (SAWAVAW). Its purpose is to create awareness to evoke change and put pressure on the Indian government’s stance on women.
On December 5th, 2014, Mangat will host an awareness event at Crown Palace in Surrey, BC. This event includes a fashion show, dinner and dance, and all proceeds from ticket sales will go towards further research in Sexual Violence against Women in India. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased from Jeenu Deol at Lavanny Boutique 778-688-0224, Kamal’s Video Palace 604-592-9777, and Non-Stop Pizza at Fraser Hwy and 152nd.

For more information, visit www.sawavaw.com.