2020
Sahar Khyabani
- | She/her/hers
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Every woman knows gender inequity firsthand, particularly women of color. It is imperative to have female leaders from diverse backgrounds actively participate in policy discussions. The institutions of our world perform better when an intersectional female perspective is acknowledged and included. Uplift and empower our voices to build a better future for all.
- Sahar Khyabani
Bio
Sahar Khyabani is a first-generation Afghan Canadian born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She is a marketing professional with over three years of experience and has worked in the tech industry, as well as volunteered her time with various local charities. As a woman of color herself, she has a huge passion for issues affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Sahar believes that knowledge is power and is working toward a degree in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University. After graduation, she hopes to empower BIPOC to pursue careers in tech. Sahar is a Digital Marketing Strategist at Voices of Muslim Women, which creates an inclusive space for Muslim women in British Columbia.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
Inequity in healthcare for women, particularly women of color is a topic overlooked by many medical professionals. As a woman of color myself, I know from first-hand experience how our pain is minimized and not taken seriously. Specifically, with respect to women’s health issues such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), women are often told, or we tell ourselves that we are just stressed, or we are overthinking our symptoms. I want to merge my experience in marketing to help raise awareness about PCOS, a complex hormonal condition that affects nearly 10 million women globally. It is one of the most under-diagnosed and under-researched conditions and it just happens to be a women’s health issue; there is no cure. It can lead to serious heart disease or cancers if not addressed sooner. My goal is to educate young women about PCOS.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
I don’t think I’ve had my biggest win yet. However, I believe that will change throughout my time in the Women Deliver Young Leaders Program, and I’m excited about that.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Writing poetry and other prose, journaling, photography, discovering new music, and yoga.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Dari (Elementary)
Speaks On:
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- intermittent fasting for PCOS
- nutrition for PCOS
- mental health with PCOS
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Leaders of Tomorrow Committee Member of the Year - Communications Committee
