Nestled amid the tranquil Gloucestershire countryside in the UK, the ASHA Centre emerged as a vibrant hub of inspiration and collaboration, hosting the inaugural ZASHA World Zoroastrian Women’s Leadership Retreat, held from 9th – 16th July, 2025. Over 50 dynamic Zoroastrian women from Canada, USA, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and New Zealand came together for seven days of immersive workshops, dialogue and intergenerational mentorship, under the banner of Asha, meaning ‘Truth and Right Order’.
Founded to empower Zoroastrian women across generations, ZASHA (Zoroastrian ASHA) has swiftly evolved into a vital platform for connection and purposeful action. “This retreat has been a dream in the making,” shared Sanaya Master, project lead for both the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum and ZASHA. “We’re here to spark fresh conversations, build lasting bonds and step into a future defined by heart, heritage and hope.”
From morning meditations to late‑night networking, participants explore a values‑driven agenda that blends ancient wisdom with contemporary leadership strategies. Some of the highlights of the week-long retreat included ‘Conscious Leadership’ with Ferzin Patel; ‘Women’s Roles in Zoroastrianism’ by Shahin Bekhradnia; ‘Collaboration Through the Four Temperaments’ with Adrian Locher; ‘Quantum Resilience and Resourcefulness’ by Meher Engineer; ‘Fundraising for Social Impact’ by Mahrukh Motafram; ‘Building Dream Teams’ with Persis Driver; ‘Bridging the Seen and Unseen’ by Armita Dalal; ‘Paradoxes of Modern Leadership’, moderated by Behroze Daruwalla and Katayun Kapadia; ‘Waternamah: Mumbai’s Bhikha Well’ presented by Bachi Karkaria; and ‘Culinary Traditions Masterclass’ by Tanaz Godiwalla. Each session encouraged participants to blend personal heritage with practical skills, including designing community initiatives and crafting authentic leadership narratives.
Zerbanoo Gifford, award-winning Human Rights Activist, Author, and Founder of the ASHA Centre, added: “The ASHA Centre has long been a sanctuary for visionary leadership rooted in kindness. It is a joy to welcome these extraordinary Zoroastrian women to ASHA and witness the magic that unfolds when wisdom, creativity and divine purpose come together.” A pioneering figure in public life and a champion of women’s rights, interfaith understanding, and social change, Zerbanoo Gifford’s life work has shaped the ASHA Centre into an internationally respected hub for cultural dialogue, creative learning, and regenerative leadership. Her tireless advocacy has cemented ASHA’s reputation as an international hub for regenerative leadership, aligning seamlessly with ZASHA’s mission to uplift and inspire the next generation of Zoroastrian women leaders.
As the retreat culminated in a closing ceremony on 16th July, 2025, ZASHA delegates will look to carrying forward shared insights and new collaborations into their home communities. More than a gathering, this retreat marks a watershed moment for Zoroastrian women uniting to redefine leadership, celebrate cultural identity and forge a collective vision for tomorrow.
- ઝોરાસ્ટ્રિયન ધર્મમાં અંગદાન - 8 November2025
- પાસવાર – એકાંત અને જોડાણનો હૃદયસ્પર્શી અરીસો - 8 November2025
- રશ્ના રાઇટરની ધ સ્ટોરી ઓફ ધ ઝોરાસ્ટ્રીયન્સહવે મફતમાં ઓનલાઈન ઉપલબ્ધ - 8 November2025
