International Women's day : Redefining Success: Women Who Lead and Inspire

International Women's Day is an important celebration of women's achievements. It raises awareness about gender inequality and inspires positive change while providing a platform for solidarity, advocating for equal rights, and promoting inclusivity, especially benefiting women who have faced challenges in their pursuits.

International Women's Day holds a special significance for the Iranian community, recognizing the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Iran and fostering global solidarity. Today, we had the privilege of hosting Parinaz Zhandy, a successful Iranian woman in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to preserving Iranian culture, notably through teaching Farsi. Recognizing her contributions is essential for fostering community integration and promoting diversity in the local society.

Host Sherry Soltani asked Parinaz Zhandy to share her childhood experiences and activities in Iran before migrating to Vancouver, Canada. Parinaz explained that she grew up in a family where literature, history, art, cultural books, geography, and poetry held great importance. She fondly recalled her father's extensive home library, emphasizing how she was raised surrounded by numerous books that greatly influenced her upbringing. Parinaz spoke about her love for poetry, mentioning that she has been writing poems since she was 12 years old

Parinaz further shared that after completing her university studies in science, she began working for an organization focused on supporting women with HIV-positive status in Iran. Addressing this issue was particularly challenging due to the societal taboo surrounding it. Undeterred, she went to the International Women's Day event at the United Nations to raise awareness about the plight of women and children affected by this disease in Iran. Parinaz dedicated significant effort to ensure recognition of the issue, advocating for assistance to women and children in need.

When asked about her decision to move to Vancouver and her activities upon arriving, Parinaz explained that the move was driven by a desire for a better education and life for her two sons and family. However, upon settling in Vancouver, she noticed a gap in Farsi education for children. Many parents, regardless of their background, spoke English to their kids, resulting in a loss of connection to their cultural heritage. Motivated by this observation, Parinaz decided to establish an institution teaching Farsi, ensuring that the next generation could learn about their background and culture, even for parents who were not originally Iranian. She aimed to bridge their cultural roots and their upbringing in Vancouver.

Parinaz highlighted that her institution aimed to serve not only Iranian families but also mixed families with parents from different linguistic backgrounds. The goal was to provide a platform for all children, irrespective of their diverse family backgrounds, to learn and connect with Farsi, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their cultural heritage. The institution became a bridge for diverse families, facilitating the preservation of languages and cultures within the multicultural context of Vancouver.

Parinaz and the teachers at Towards the Future Academy (Farsi School) extend their education efforts to diverse migrants, including Afghans, Tajiks, Turks, and Kurds in Vancouver. The institution serves as a multicultural hub, preserving languages and fostering cultural understanding among migrant groups with shared linguistic ties.

Sherry asked Parinaz for advice for young women and girls in society to achieve their goals: Parinaz emphasizes key success factors: knowledge, self-confidence, and self-recognition. She guides young women, stressing education, resilience, and cultural identity. Building supportive networks and community engagement are vital for personal and collective growth. Parinaz cautions against narrow beauty standards, advocating for embracing diversity and believing that true beauty comes from within.

In conclusion, Sherry thanked Parinaz for her remarkable achievements as a successful Iranian woman in BC, acknowledging her impactful work and role as a cultural bridge. Sherry requested that Parinaz share one of her poems, adding a personal touch to the interview.

Guest: Parinaz Zhandy, Towards the Future Academy (Farsi School)

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society