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Zarathushti history is replete with heroines, but some women stand out. It is time now to show pride in what they have achieved, and appreciate where we are today because of their commitment and zeal. It is hoped that their vision, enthusiasm and accomplishments will inspire future generations.
For the World Zoroastrian Congress 2000, Dolly Dastoor, and Aban Rustomji envisaged a women’s event that would include a show depicting fashions through the ages; a workshop with a panel discussion; and a Hall of Fame which would honour those women whose contributions to the arts, business, education, government, and philanthropy have been of greatest value for the development of the Zarathushti community over the past 200 years.
Ideas to come up with a catchy name went back and forth for the Hall of Fame. A very special young friend Farishta Dinshaw told me about the mythical Mashyani. According to the Iranian legend of creation, Mashyani was the first woman on Earth, and from her were born six sets of twins who gave rise to the rest of humankind. She epitomises all shades of womanhood — innocence and allure, tenacity and fragility, generosity and sentimentality. In legends, she is equal to her male counterpart Mashya with arms on their shoulders, joined to each other, and of the same shape and height. To pay homage to her, we decided to name the women’s forum, Daughters of Mashyani.
I was given the task of approaching the global Zarathushti community to seek nominations for women, both historical and contemporary, who have contributed to our community and to our heritage. Of these, twenty were to be selected, and their achievements catalogued in a commemorative book Daughters of Mashyani. The criteria for nomination included:
- The value of their
contribution to society, to significant groups within society, or to
the progress and freedom of women.
- Significant national
contribution to art, athletics, business, government, philanthropy,
humanities, science or education.
- The enduring value of the achievements
Seventy-eight nominations were received of exceptional women, three long after the due date — not only of high profile achievers, but ordinary women who in their own quiet way have contributed to society. I would like to put on record here that this is just the beginning. There are many more capable women whom we know of in our minds, but whose names were not nominated for reasons of modesty, disinterest or passivity.
Toxy Cowasjee
December 2000
Click here to view the entire Daughters of Mashyani booklet