Sarah Khaw

Sarah Khaw is a Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University's Faculty of Health, affiliated with the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre for First Nations Birth Rights. Her work focuses on improving maternal health equity through community-based doula programs, particularly for migrant and Indigenous communities. She holds a PhD from The University of Melbourne (2024), a Master of Public Health (2018), and nursing/midwifery degrees from La Trobe University (2010).

Her research employs participatory action research (PAR) with Yolŋu co-researchers to evaluate culturally-responsive maternal healthcare services in Galiwin'ku, Darwin, and Nhulunbuy. Key projects include exploring volunteer doula programs' impact on migrant women's birth experiences and the sustainability of such services in hospital settings. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Her recent publications examine collaborative relationships between doulas and healthcare providers, cultural competency in maternal care, and systemic barriers to equitable maternity services. She actively participates in conferences and exhibitions to disseminate findings and advocate for birth equity, such as the 'Giving Migrant Mums a Fair Go' art exhibition and patient experience events.