The Muslim Women's Alliance in KW (CMW) is examining the challenges faced by Muslim youth in the Waterloo region.

CMW has contracted the Institute of Religious and Socio-Political Studies (I-RSS) to conduct a youth-led special study, which will significantly engage youth aged 15 and under in the research design process.

The director of research at I-RSS, Nakita Valerio, says that Muslim youth in Canada face unique issues, including an identity crisis related to their religious identity experience in Canadian society.

Valerio said: "In previous I-RSS studies on Muslim youth that we conducted for national organizations such as the Islamic Association of Canada, we found that the personal circumstances of Muslim youth affect their sense of belonging and overall connection to the community."

"In the Waterloo study with CMW-KW, we are working to deepen our understanding further through in-depth questions about youth life, health, schedules, responsibilities, and more..."

The study is based on research conducted by the Children and Youth Planning Table (CYPT) in the Waterloo region, which investigated quality of life indicators for youth from all backgrounds, and understood how Muslim youth live life differently or similarly to their non-Muslim peers.

The study includes an online survey that Muslim youth, aged 13 to 25 in the Waterloo region, can complete in 15 minutes.

Participants have the option to register for an online focus group where they can discuss family, community experiences, mental health with Islamophobia, their relationship to their religion, and the results will be available next December.