Fauzia Mazhar, the executive director of the Coalition of Muslim Women Kitchener-Waterloo, is currently in a critical condition in the ICU after reports of being seriously injured in a car crash in the United Arab Emirates.
The well-known community leader and passionate advocate for inclusivity, equity and peace was in Dubai, where she was involved in a collision.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the severe vehicle accident our dear, beloved Fauzia has been in. She is currently in critical condition in an ICU in Dubai,” Coalition of Muslim Women wrote on Twitter.
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We are deeply saddened by the news of the severe vehicle accident our dear, beloved Fauzia has been in. She is currently in critical condition in an ICU in Dubai. Her family has requested privacy during this time. We ask everyone reading this post to make dua (prayers) for her.
— Coalition of Muslim Women (@CMW_KW2010) August 24, 2022
“Her family has requested privacy during this time. We ask everyone reading this post to make dua (prayers) for her.”
The Muslim leader has been receiving supports and prayers on social media.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic tweeted, “Deeply saddened by this news and sending thoughts and prayers to Fauzia and her family during this difficult time. May Allah give her strength in her journey towards recovery, healing and renewed health.”
Deeply saddened by this news and sending thoughts and prayers to Fauzia and her family during this difficult time. May Allah give her strength in her journey towards recovery, healing and renewed health.
— Berry Vrbanovic (@berryonline) August 24, 2022
Regional Chair Karen Redman wrote, “Very saddened to hear this. Fauzia, her family, and the entire CMW community are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”
Kitchener Centre MPP Laura Mae Lindo said, “Sending lots of prayers, love and healing energy into the universe for Fauzia and her family.”
Sending lots of prayers, love and healing energy into the universe for Fauzia and her family. 💜
— Laura Mae Lindo (@LauraMaeLindo) August 24, 2022
Oh no! Sending the very best healing thoughts. 🙏
— Jayne Herring, Trustee Candidate – WRDSB (@CambridgeJayne) August 24, 2022
Who Is Mazhar?
Moving to Canada with her family in 2000, Fauzia Mazhar has 18+ years of experience in the local social profit sector, much of it in leadership and management.
She holds a Masters of Social Work degree with specialization in Community, Policy, Planning, Organizations (CPPO), and a post graduate certificate in Leadership and Management from Wilfrid Laurier University.
She also completed Community Leadership Training by Leadership Waterloo Region. She has previously worked at House of Friendship, The Working Centre, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre and The Family Centre (Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region).
She has served as the President of Pakistan Canada Association, Council Member and Chair of the Belong Group for Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery.
She has played an active role in establishing the coalition’s hate-reporting system, reportinghate.ca.
She is a vocal advocate, calling on politicians and police to acknowledge and track incidents of hate when they happen.