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"Together, we stepped into our roles as emerging leaders, each of us guided by the Retreat’s theme of ‘Embracing Sacred Leadership.’ I’ll never forget tying my kusti under the branches of a willow tree, joining in prayer with these extraordinary women. For the first time in my life as a practicing Zoroastrian, I heard a female mobedyar lead our ritual prayers. I felt a swell of pride and possibility, this is what equality looks like in action.”

Reliving her experience as one of 18 participants from the Zoroastrian Alliance of Sisters Here and Abroad (ZASHA) attending the first Leadership Retreat at the Asha Centre in UK from July 9 to 16, 2025, Natasha Kianipour of Vancouver proceeded to recount the salient features of the "transformative” event.

  Sanaya Master (l) and Adrian Locher

"Each day unfolded with workshops designed to peel back layers of self-awareness and collective vision. In one session, we mapped our personal leadership strengths: who we are, how we organize within a group, and what unique gifts we bring. In another, we dreamed together of the projects we want to launch for our broader community, whether that’s educational initiatives, creative collaborations, or interfaith dialogs. By the final day I could see that every woman there had unearthed a deeper sense of purpose, both individually and as part of this sisterhood.”

Describing the Asha Centre in the historic Forest of Dean as an "enchanted land,” with its "sunlit meditation room, the labyrinth, its twisting path offering a walking meditation; and hidden corners like Hobbiton’s fairy haven and the stream springing from St Anthony’s Well,” Kianipour added, "It wasn’t just the setting that made this Retreat special, it was the women. I found myself sharing stories beside the fire pit with powerhouse speakers like Dr Dolly Dastoor whose decades of volunteering for FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America) have woven her into the very fabric of our community; Zerbanoo Gifford, a true trailblazer whose five decades of global activism as human rights campaigner, author, World Zoroastrian Organisation president and Asha Centre founder inspired me instantly; Armita Dalal, a pioneering mobed from Los Angeles, whose voice brought prayer to life in a way I’d never experienced before. Her explanations of the Gathas illuminated their ancient wisdom with fresh relevance. Every single woman I had the privilege to meet came with her own unique, inspiring story.

"Our mornings started with yoga. Nourishing meals prepared by Chef Paul’s team — comforting soups, fresh salads and homemade desserts brought everyone together. In the evenings, we gathered for music, storytelling and dancing. I had the chance to share a few of my poems by the fire and lead a poetry workshop, which quickly became one of my favorite moments, filled with creativity, laughter and connection. One afternoon, we joined Tanaz Godiwalla’s cooking class and had a great time learning to make akuri, with plenty of jokes and stories along the way. 

"None of this would have been possible without the tireless organization of Sanaya Master, whose vision and dedication wove every detail into place. Sanaya reminded me that leadership is often unseen, like the threads that hold a tapestry together.”

Shared space

For Master, organizing the Leadership Retreat "to celebrate the strength, wisdom and vibrancy of our sisterhood began with a simple yet powerful vision — to bring together Zoroastrian women leaders from across the globe in a space where we could learn from one another, dream collectively and reimagine leadership for our times. Our participants came from Canada, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, each bringing extraordinary wisdom, knowledge and expertise. I collaborated closely with our lead facilitator, Adrian Locher — former director of the Asha Centre — to design a dynamic program filled with thought-provoking workshops, balanced with time for organic connection and reflection.”

The sessions included "Conscious Leadership for Today’s Zoroastrian Women” facilitated by Ferzin Patel of New York; "Looking at Collaboration Through the Four Temperaments” guided by Locher; "Fundraising and Transformation for Social Impact” led by Mahrukh Motafram of Washington State; "Power in Collaboration: How to Nurture a Midsummer Night’s Dream Team” guided by Persis Driver of Chicago; "Harmonizing Realms: Bridging the Seen and Unseen” guided by Dalal; "Paradox of Modern Leadership” moderated by Behroze Daruwalla of Bombay and Katayun Kapadia of New Jersey.

Speakers from the UK invited to share their insights were Shahin Bekhradnia who elaborated on "Wisdom, Strength and Spirit: The Role of Women in Zoroastrianism;” Meher Engineer on "Resilience and Resourcefulness: A Quantum Perspective;” and Tricia Sibbons — non-profit activist and Head of Partnerships at Action for Southern Africa. Journalist and author Bachi Karkaria from Bombay spoke about her latest book, Waternamah. 

As related Master, "The logistics were both practical and purposeful: from arranging airport transfers to planning local day trips like the one to Wales to immerse ourselves in its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Equally important was to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere where every participant felt inspired and supported. By the week’s end, ZASHA had evolved into far more than a retreat — it had become a living, breathing community, united by shared values and a bold vision for the future of women’s leadership within our faith. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support, mentorship and guidance of Zerbanoo whose vision, courage, and lifelong commitment to empowering women laid the very foundation on which ZASHA could flourish.”

Expertise and experiences

As commented Gifford, "The gathering of such a diverse and gifted group of Zoroastrian women at Asha was magical. I have always known that the true wealth and goodness of our community lies in our extraordinary women. Just look at the ZASHA website. It is evidence of the brilliance and community spirit of our women. I am in awe of how educated and open to new challenges they are, how they excel in their particular field of expertise while also being bighearted enough to offer themselves for the betterment of the wider community. This intelligence, industry and integrity are what Zoroastrians have been valued for throughout history. 

"At the ZASHA Retreat, we women shared our unique stories, expertise and experiences to help transform lives not just for ourselves but for others. For any community to thrive in this crazy, modern world we need to relearn to respect the wisdom and creativity of women. There is an urgent need to truly cherish our women in their authentic being including in our religious life. We exclude women from leadership roles at our own peril.”   

 

Inspired to integrate

Having returned to Vancouver "brimming with inspiration and a renewed commitment to integrate what I’ve learned, both in my clinic, Kiani Physio and Pilates, and within my community,” Kianipour wrote, "Equality of women is woven into the very origins of Zoroastrianism, and at ZASHA we didn’t just talk about it; we lived it. We built a space where women led prayers, shared wisdom and co-created a vision for the future. I feel blessed to have been part of the first ZASHA Leadership Retreat. It was more than a retreat, it was the spark of a movement. I know this is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see how our collective dreams unfold. To every woman who joins in the years ahead: may your journey be as illuminating as mine has been, and may we continue to walk this path, rooted in Asha, together.” 

She shared a poem she had penned during a quiet moment of reflection at the retreat: 

I sit in this field of peace 

come meet me here. 

Surrounded by blooming angels

singing in sunrays. 

The roots of our many souls

are reaching towards the one sky. 

Come sit with me for a while,

in the heavenly fields of Asha.