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Culturally Competent Care

Transforming access to culturally informed mental health in Canada

Improving access for all Canadians to Culturally Competent Care.

This initiative is born out of the urgent need to address the often overlooked issue of mental health and addiction within Canadian communities, where such topics remain taboo and deeply stigmatized.

No matter if you're White, Black, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, or Asian, every individual deserves compassionate, high-quality care. We believe that your unique background and traditions enrich our community, and we're committed to ensuring that everyone receives the best possible care and respect.

Our mission is clear: to provide culturally-sensitive mental health and addiction support to Canadians. By enhancing their resilience and well-being, we aim to address the unique challenges arising from cultural, religious, and social contexts. This initiative is a significant step toward fostering healthier individuals, families, and communities, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive nation.

Culturally Competent Care

  1. Widespread Outreach: Engaged with diverse community organizations, amplifying awareness of Project Falah across Canada, including developing relationships with 8 new groups.

  2. Advocacy Impact: Championed mental health and addiction challenges within the cultural community, fostering a supportive dialogue, directly reaching 200+ people.

  3. Collaborative Synergy: Leveraged shared values with organizations like Centre for Newcomers, enhancing our approach to holistic mental health support, onboarding up to 30 mental health practitioners.

  4. Law Enforcement Engagement: Facilitated critical conversations with Calgary and Edmonton police departments, working towards a better understanding of hate and it's effect on mental health.

  5. Political Engagement: Garnered support from high-level political figures, including the Governor General, Mayor of Edmonton, and other political leaders, establishing powerful allies in our mission to combat hate and promote mental health.

Empowering Leaders for a Better Tomorrow

The Muslim Women Forum (MWF) is a pivotal organization dedicated to empowering Muslim women through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives. By creating safe and supportive spaces, MWF amplifies the voices of Muslim women who have historically faced systemic barriers and prejudice, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to social, political, and cultural spheres. Through skill development programs, leadership workshops, and collaborative partnerships, MWF not only nurtures individual growth but also strengthens community resilience, making it an indispensable force in promoting inclusivity and equitable opportunities for Muslim women across Manitoba and beyond.

Impact in Action

Get to Know Our Speakers

Woman wearing a blue headscarf and glasses smiling in a natural outdoor setting with trees.

Amira Elghawaby

Amira Elghawaby is Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, a journalist, and a human rights advocate dedicated to promoting inclusion, equity, and anti-racism. With a background in media, policy, and community activism, she works to address systemic discrimination and amplify the voices of marginalized communities across Canada.

Smiling woman in a navy suit with white shirt against a dark background.

Hon. Niki Sharma

Hon. Niki Sharma is the Attorney General of British Columbia, dedicated to advancing equity, human rights, and justice for all communities. A longtime advocate for marginalized groups, she has worked extensively on Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and anti-racism initiatives, making her a vital voice in shaping inclusive policies across the province.

Woman wearing a patterned headscarf, standing in front of a microphone giving a speech.

Sireen El-Nashar

Sireen El-Nashar is the Executive Director of Zaytuna Services Society, a dedicated organization supporting Muslim women and families in British Columbia through advocacy, social services, and community empowerment. With a passion for equity and inclusion, she works to create safe, supportive spaces that uplift and strengthen the voices of Muslim women across the province.

Smiling police officer wearing a uniform standing indoors with blurred background.

Detective Gagan Luddu

Detective Gagan Luddu serves with the Vancouver Police Department and is a member of the RCMP Hate Crimes Unit, specializing in investigating and addressing hate-motivated crimes. With extensive experience in law enforcement and community engagement, he is committed to fostering safety, inclusion, and justice for diverse communities across British Columbia.

Woman in a light-colored hijab and striped blazer speaking into a microphone at a podium.

Tanweer Ebrahim

Tanweer Ebrahim is the Founder and Director of the Nisa Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering Muslim women through education, advocacy, and community support. With a deep commitment to social justice and gender equity, she works to create inclusive spaces that uplift and amplify the voices of Muslim women across British Columbia.

Woman with brown hair wearing a beaded necklace and gray cardigan, against a light blue background.

Navshina Savory

Navshina Savory serves as the District Principal, Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Success and a Director on the Board of Governors of the BC Principals and Vice Principals Association, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership, equity, and inclusion. Passionate about fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments, she advocates for culturally responsive education and leadership development across British Columbia.

Woman wearing a white hijab with black floral patterns and black attire on a dark background.

Laya Behbahani

Laya Behbahani is the Director of Equity at Simon Fraser University and an Advisor with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), specializing in equity, diversity, and human rights advocacy. With a background in research, policy development, and community engagement, she is committed to advancing inclusive practices and systemic change for marginalized communities.

Person with curly hair wearing a beige blazer and layered necklaces, posing against a plain background.

Sumaiyyah Adam

Sumaiyyah Adam is a Director of the Foundation for a Path Forward and a Program Manager at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and social impact. With expertise in community development and advocacy, she works to empower marginalized communities, particularly Muslim women, through policy engagement, capacity building, and grassroots initiatives.

Woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a black top, with a brick wall background.

Zehra Talib

Zehra Talib is the Regional Coordinator for British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Simon Fraser University and has over eight years of experience in human rights advocacy, including work with Amnesty International and newcomer support organizations. Passionate about combating racism and discrimination, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive communities across Canada.

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Inspector Sarah Burnham

Inspector Sarah Burnham is a dedicated law enforcement leader with the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP Hate Crimes Unit, specializing in combating hate crimes and fostering community safety. With extensive experience in investigations, public safety, and diversity engagement, she is committed to building stronger relationships between law enforcement and marginalized communities.

Previous Events

Falah Wellness logo with stylized figures and green leaves forming a tree shape.

Project FALAH Official Launch

May 2023

Two women speaking at a conference table with projectors and banners in a gymnasium setting.

MAC Calgary Leadership Meeting & Community Engagment

May 4, 2023

More info
Group of five people having a meeting in a conference room with a large screen on the wall.

Law Enforcement Engagement

May 5, 2023

More info
Group of eight people standing and smiling in an office environment.

Meeting with Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Alberta Hate Crimes Committee

May 5, 2023

More info
Group of people posing together indoors on a red carpet with ornate patterns.

Akram Jomaa Leadership Meeting

May 6, 2023

More info
Speaker at podium in front of audience in a small auditorium with flags and decorative screen on stage.

Collaboration with the Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice

May 5, 2023

More info
Individuals dressed in formal attire, standing together in an indoor setting with modern decor in the background.

Podcast with Local Community Leaders Shadi Sakr and Amber Rehman

May 6, 2023

More info
Group of people standing in front of a building with arched doorways and steps.

Planning the Future of Project FALAH with Al-Rashid Mosque, Penny Appeal, and Special Representative Amira Elghawaby

May 7, 2023

More info
Group of people posing on a red carpet with banners and a Canadian flag in the background.

MAC Edmonton Leadership Meeting

May 8, 2023

More info
Group of people standing indoors holding a colorful tapestry featuring a large tree design.

Meeting the Islamic Family & Social Services Association

May 8, 2023

More info
Three people standing in a room with wooden paneling and a flag, smiling at the camera.

Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani

May 8, 2023

More info

Muslim Care Centre Events

Overcoming Addiction with the 12-Step Program

Overcoming Addiction with the 12-Step Program

with Brother Jeand

COVID-19 webinar flyer by Muslim Care Centre, with virus graphics and donation info.

Virus, Vaccine, and Virology

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar

Addictions Recovery Webinar poster featuring topic on opioid addiction and recovery by an Imam, scheduled online.

Addictions Recovery Webinar

Opioid Addiction and Recovery with Imam Fawad Kalsi

Poster for Langley Food Distribution Project inviting donations to feed 600 homeless people during Ramadan.

Langley Food Distribution Project

Collaboration with the Langley Islamic Centre

EMBERS Staffing Solutions webinar flyer with information on job opportunities and services, featuring event details.

Collaboration with EMBERS Staffing Solutions

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Countering Islamophobia with a Strong Identity

Countering Islamophobia with a Strong Identity

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar

Webinar promotional poster featuring two men with logos and text about youth initiative by Muslim Care Centre.

Yo Bro | Yo Girl & Muslim Youth with Former Hell's Angel Joe Calendino and Ari Azez

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Flyer for Muslim Women & Mental Health discussion hosted by Muslim Care Centre.

Muslim Women and Mental Health

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Chiropractic Care: Manual Medicine for Pain Management

Chiropractic Care: Manual Medicine for Pain Management

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Dr. Gohar Sheikh

Poster for Muslim Care Centre online fundraising event with quote and event details, featuring social media icons.

Online Fundraiser to Feed the Hungry in Vancouver Downtown Eastside and Surrey Central / Whalley

Advertisement for online mental health webinar on mindfulness by Muslim Care Centre with speaker Nabila Jaffer.

Mindfulness: Control & Our Emotions

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Nabila Jaffer

Burnout and Self Care - with Shakeel Khan

Burnout and Self Care - with Shakeel Khan

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Shakeel Khan

Muslim Care Centre COVID-19 Iftar Donation Project flyer with donation information and contact details.

Muslim Care Centre COVID-19 Iftar Donation Project

Feeding Muslims in Need During the Month of Ramadan

Promotional poster for Yo Bro Yo Girl and Muslim Youth podcast on self-defense and youth development.

Interview with You Bro | Yo Girl & Muslim Youth About FREE Self Defense Training and Youth Development

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Partners and Allies