Events
Collective Health Africa Initiative: Panel Discussion Workshop
April 2026
For black women learning to navigate the Canadian Healthcare System
Complete Health Africa Initiative (CHAI) is led by Davina. It is a new Khairiyat program focused on improving health education and patient advocacy within African communities. Launching in 2026 with an inaugural event, CHAI was shaped by lived experience, particularly the challenges of navigating dysmenorrhea, accessing Canadian health services, and finding the language and confidence to advocate for one’s own care. Through this initiative, Davina is committed to creating community-centred spaces that increase awareness of gynaecological disorders, strengthen patient advocacy, and make health information more accessible. True to its name, CHAI aims to leave participants feeling informed, supported, and empowered.
The word “Chai” to West Africans especially can be used as a synonym for “Wow!”. Our hope is that each event leaves you feeling so encouraged that all you can say is “chai!”."
This work is made possible by funded from the Arc Foundation to support Youth programming to promote Youth Ambassadorship in Health Equity, empowering marginalized youth to lead the next generation of inclusive health innovation.
Led by Davina, with her team Hajir, Manahil, Munaza (Khairiyat) and in collaboration with the African Caribbean Student Association (ACSA).
Workshop: Own Your Health
March 2026
For university students to learnadvocating for your health.
Own Your Health is an interactive workshop designed to help women and feminine-presenting individuals recognize, navigate, and respond to medical dismissal and discrimination. Grounded in concepts such as testimonial and hermeneutical injustice, the workshop combines accessible education with practical strategies for self-advocacy, including documenting symptoms, asking for sources of information, naming concerns clearly, understanding patient rights, and bringing support into clinical spaces. Through discussion, real-world scenarios, and guided activities, participants build the knowledge and confidence to better advocate for themselves and others within health care settings.
This work is made possible by the “Race to an Inclusive Canada” Micro Grant from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, awarded to Khairiyat to organize programming that promotes Youth Ambassadorship in Health Equity, empowering marginalized youth to lead the next generation of inclusive health innovation.
Organized by Anushah and Eugena (Khairiyat) in Collaboration with Children’s Health Advocates (CHA) at UCalgary.
Health Systems Innovation Sprint
2025-2026
For university students passionate about advancing health equity for marginalized populations.
The Catalyst Health Systems Innovation Sprint is an interdisciplinary design challenge that empowers students to tackle barriers to health equity through hands-on collaboration and creative problem-solving. Over several weeks, participants work in diverse teams to design actionable solutions—from community-driven policy proposals to technology-based health innovations—addressing real challenges within healthcare systems. Our team is supporting this initiative because it embodies the collaborative, equity-centered approach needed to reimagine how health systems serve marginalized populations. Through structured workshops, mentorship, and curated resources, we’re helping participants translate insight into impact, equipping them with the skills and frameworks to turn innovative ideas into sustainable change. This work is made possible by the “Race to an Inclusive Canada” Micro Grant from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, awarded to Khairiyat to organize programming that promotes Youth Ambassadorship in Health Equity, empowering marginalized youth to lead the next generation of inclusive health innovation.
Organized by Catalyst Project UofC with support from Khairiyat Women’s Health Equity Network, Health Sciences Students Association (HSSA), Society for AI Literacy (SAIL).
Youth Workshops
2024 - 2025
For Schools and Youth Oriented Organizations.
Through the University of Calgary’s Scholars Academy Program, we brought youth workshops on boundary and assault prevention. Informed by the Office for Sexual and Gender Based Violence, these workshops were hosted with the YMCA YMAP program that facilitates workshops for newcomer and immigrant youth to provide volunteer opportunities and engagement with Canadian Culture. In just a few workshops, these have reached over 30 students, with more to come as wee collaborate with other youth organizations this year.
Sticker Campaign
2025
Fundraising Initiative
In partnering with Amalna, a design studio, to launch a sticker fundraiser in support of the NISA Foundation, we brought another unique aspect to our organizations: mobilization in our communities. Nisa Homes provide shelter and essential support for women and children, and we aim to connect with community organizations to ensure that we do our part in bringing their work to the forefront all while embracing a creative take. See below for the stickers Amalna has designed and their importance to our mission!
Khairiyat Kickoff
August 24th
Genesis Centre
2:00 -4:00 pm
For our very first event we had people from the South Asian community in Calgary join us for a delightful chai session accompanied by an engaging panel-style conversation. We all gained insights into how reproductive health holds profound importance within our community and what barriers we need to work to overcome.
