Sabah Khan

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Project: SSFID – Savitri Fatima Institute for Inclusive Development
Mainstreaming secular Muslim voice through active citizenship and participation in governance.

Sabah Khan is amplifying the voices and political representation of secular Muslim youth and women. She founded the Parcham Collective and the Savitri Fatima Institute for Inclusive Development (SFFFID), to build the leadership of secular Muslim youth and engage them in active citizenship and governance processes.

Parcham and SFFID have created joyful youth-led spaces and programs in densely populated Muslim ghettos. These include football for girls, vibrant feminist cafes, and platforms for exploring non-traditional livelihoods. Here, the youth and women discuss religion and rationality, citizenship and democracy, while challenging their cultural stereotypes and narratives.

Through fellowships, training, and a state-wide platform in Maharashtra, Sabah is building the leadership capacities of secular Muslim youth and women. They partner with elected representatives and policymakers to improve systems and services for urban well-being and democratic participation in their areas. The youth leaders also establish platforms for interfaith and inter-community dialogues with young leaders from Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and nomadic communities.

A key aspect of Sabah’s work has also involved collaborating with the media to challenge stereotypes. She and her team have created and amplified publications as tools for education and narrative building for Muslim secular youth leaders.

“I am grateful to ORA for the opportunity to be a Fellow in the 2025 cohort. It is an honour to have my work. which challenges Islamophobic portrayals of Muslims, is recognized. The Fellowship will strengthen my work to foster understanding and friendships between communities and amplify the secular Muslim voice.”


Follow along with Sabah:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabah-khan-5a837512b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savitrifatima_inclusive/