Championing Women: Celebrating Achievement and Empowerment

Throughout centuries, women around the world have endeavoured to demonstrate their capabilities despite numerous challenges. Today, it is widely acknowledged that women hold a powerful and influential position in society, possessing qualities equal to men, and the principle of gender equality is accepted in civilized societies worldwide.

In celebration of International Women's Day, the Canadian Iranian Foundation honoured four influential Iranian women residing in Vancouver, urging them to share the secrets of their success with others in a public ceremony. The event also supported the "Women, Life, Freedom" Movement taking place in Iran, showcasing displays of contemporary influential women in the hall.

The program commenced with a brief conversation with Nassreen Filsoof, the co-founder of the Canadian Iranian Foundation, who highlighted the foundation's goals, particularly its assistance to immigrants, and presented an annual report of the foundation's activities. Nassreen emphasized the significant role of women in life and society and concluded with a poem about women. Subsequently, several members of the Canadian Iranian Foundation introduced the four successful Iranian women and, after reading their biographies, asked them to converse with the guests.

The first successful woman present at the session was Flora Farahani. She is a psychological consultant who addressed women's issues and the hardships of being a woman in society. Then, Zahra Ansari was invited to speak. She is a dentist, poet, and painter who highlighted the role of her family in the upbringing and education of her children, introducing women as the cornerstone of society.

Pooneh Alizadeh, who leads dance classes, was introduced as one of the top 25 immigrants in British Columbia and the cultural ambassador of Iranians in the city of North Vancouver. She spoke about the challenges of her work in society and how dancing is not recognized as a profession by some.

Dr. Shadan Kabiri, who migrated to Canada about twenty years ago, spoke about the hardships of migration and achieving success. Shadan emphasized that success is a journey, not a destination. Every day, one can take a step forward as long as they do not fear undertaking great tasks.

The program continued with a question-and-answer session, and then a melody, which was from the volunteers of the foundation, filled the air, prompting everyone to dance. Following that, Saba, an Iranian opera singer, performed a German opera song.

Finally, one of the elderly guests named Hayedeh, who was previously the manager of the Abadan oil refinery, referred to the "Women, Life, Freedom" Movement in Iran and women who are imprisoned for expressing their freedom and human rights issues. She stated that these women are the pride of everyone, and we must support them as they stand against inequalities.

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society