Farrah Khan is a counselor and advocate at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic which offers legal representation, professional counselling and multilingual interpretation to women who have experienced violence.
Early on in her work at the Clinic, Farrah engaged in challenging and meaningful dialogue with her peers and the Clinic’s Board. She invited her colleagues to draw into a dynamic and growing discussion on the needs of young women - specifically young Muslim women and other racialized young women facing family violence, forced marriage and lack of access to social services.
Through her tireless efforts and commitment, Farrah has galvanized a community into action and is an emerging leader in her field. Her efforts in this regard are not new as Farrah has a long history working to end violence against women and girls. Whether as a counselor, a change agent working within a community development model or an artist using her extensive creative abilities to motivate others, Farrah’s energy and commitment to women and girls has never wavered. As a result of this work, she has received a number of awards, including the Urban Alliance on Race Relations Community Award and the Canadian Muslim Women Who Inspire Award. among others. In 2011, she was chosen by the Toronto Star as one of the “Top Ten People to Watch”.
Farrah will use her Vital People grant to attend an interdisciplinary institute which offers training on advocacy and fieldwork for global leaders in women's issues. Participants will include NGO representatives, researchers, practitioners and policymakers. She will also be taking courses in expressive arts including digital storytelling, video editing and writing. These courses will help expand the arts-based tools currently used in the innovative therapeutic groups for young women at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.
