ZASHA Retreat Launches: A Landmark Gathering of Zoroastrian Women Leaders at the ASHA Centre.

Today marks the opening of the inaugural ZASHA World Zoroastrian Women’s Leadership Retreat, a transformative, week-long gathering of dynamic Zoroastrian women leaders from around the globe. Hosted at the serene and historic ASHA Centre, this multigenerational convergence welcomes voices from Canada, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

ZASHA—the Zoroastrian ASHA—serves as a powerful convergence point for Zoroastrian women—across generations and geographies—to connect, share, and co-create. As an initiative dedicated to fostering visionary female leadership, ZASHA draws inspiration from the Zoroastrian principles of Asha (Truth and Right Order) and has quickly emerged as a vital platform for dialogue, mentorship, and purposeful action. From its online community to in-person retreats, ZASHA creates spaces where Zoroastrian women can explore identity, strengthen intergenerational bonds, and lead with authenticity. Learn more at zasha.info.

Through expert-led workshops and intergenerational collaboration, participants are engaging in a values-driven program rooted in service, resilience, and purposeful leadership.

• Conscious Leadership for Today’s Zoroastrian Women facilitated by Ferzin Patel
• Wisdom, Strength & Spirit: The Role of Women in Zoroastrianism presented by Shahin Bekhradnia
• Looking at Collaboration Through the Four Temperaments guided by Adrian Locher
• Resilience & Resourcefulness: A Quantum Perspective presented by Meher Engineer
• Fundraising & Transformation for Social Impact led by Mahrukh Motafram
• Power in Collaboration: How to Nurture a Midsummer Night’s Dream Team guided by Persis Driver
• Harmonising Realms: Bridging the Seen & Unseen guided by Armita Dalal
• Paradox of Modern Leadership moderated by Behroze Daruwalla & Katayun Kapadia
• Waternamah: 300 Years of Mumbai’s Bhikha Well presented by Bachi Karkaria
• A Cooking Masterclass led by Tanaz Godiwalla

Sanaya Master, Project Lead of both the World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum (WZYLF) and the ZASHA Retreat, shared:

“This gathering has been a dream in the making—a space for Zoroastrian women to stand together, inspire one another, and reimagine leadership for our times. We are here to spark new conversations, build lasting bonds, and step into the future—together.”

Zerbanoo Gifford, 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.”

Zerbanoo Gifford herself has been a pioneering figure in public life and a champion of women’s rights, interfaith understanding, and social change. An award-winning author and tireless advocate for human dignity, Zerbanoo’s life work has shaped the ASHA Centre into an internationally respected hub for cultural dialogue, creative learning, and regenerative leadership. Her dedication to empowering underrepresented voices aligns seamlessly with ZASHA’s mission to uplift and inspire the next generation of Zoroastrian women leaders.

The ZASHA Retreat is more than a gathering—it is a defining moment in the evolution of Zoroastrian women’s leadership. As participants exchange stories, explore shared values, and forge lifelong connections, they are laying the foundation for a new era of leadership grounded in heart, heritage, and hope. The retreat will run from July 9–16, 2025, culminating in a closing ceremony that celebrates the week’s insights, growth, and collective vision for the future.