This International Women’s Day is a milestone moment for Canada. Award-winning human rights leader and national voice on gender justice Farrah Khan joins Canada’s leading sexual and reproductive rights organization, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, as Executive Director.
At this critical moment, following the impacts of the Roe v Wade decision, the looming decision to ban the abortion pill in the U.S, the recent BC government decision to provide free universal prescription contraception and ongoing abortion access issues in Canada, Khan brings her decades of movement-building and leadership experience to continue to push forward and protect reproductive rights among growing backlash.
“We are thrilled to have Farrah join Action Canada at this important moment in history,” says Shalini Konanur, Chair of the Action Canada Board of Directors. “She is a changemaker and leader who will build on Action Canada’s existing strengths and support an organization that can continue to break down barriers, protect our rights, and push for a world where all people have access to the choices and services they need and have a right to.”
Interim Executive Director, Julie Delahanty, who has supported the organization as the Board undertook the search, will continue to work alongside Farrah this month to ensure a smooth transition.
With a 50-year legacy defending and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and nine years as a leading voice on abortion access and rights in Canada, Action Canada has had an incredible impact on the Canadian and global landscape. Khan’s years of experience and her platform as a national voice will bring in a new era for the organization and for sexual and reproductive rights in Canada.
“I am honoured to be part of Action Canada, especially at this critical time in history. I look forward to building on the organization’s incredible legacy with our fantastic staff and community partners to advocate for progressive policies on reproductive, sexual and gender rights in Canada and globally.” says Khan. A sought-after voice in national media and an influential leader in Canada, Farrah has shaped policy at all levels of government. In 2018, she was appointed to the Gender Equality Advisory Council for the G7 Summit, where she insisted, before an audience of world leaders, that concrete action on gender equity is necessary to create a thriving, sustainable, and peaceful world. This same insistence will ensure all people have access to the sexual and reproductive health services they have a right to in Canada.
Among many accomplishments, Khan established one of Canada’s first stand-alone campus sexual violence support and education offices, Consent Comes First, at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has received numerous awards for her years of service and feminist advocacy, including, most recently, the Governor General Persons Case Award.
Her lifelong work demonstrates her commitment to systemic change rooted in joy, equity, and community care, a commitment that supports the work and values of Action Canada and the world we envision for all.
Media Contact
Quinn Lazenby
media@actioncanadashr.org
613-241-4474 x 13200