Women in Iran face numerous restrictions, many of which are imposed by the Islamic government. Female artists, in particular, bear the brunt of these limitations. Women singers are not allowed to perform, facing extensive bans in the fields of music and singing. This gender discrimination has driven many women to seek solutions and ways to overcome these challenges.

Fereshteh Farmand, a vocal instructor living in Coquitlam, British Columbia, is one such woman. For years, she held underground concerts in Iran and taught students there. More than twenty years ago, she emigrated to Canada intending to help Iranian women learn the art of singing despite the restrictions in their homeland. Fereshteh Farmand exemplifies the women who fight against this gender discrimination, and today, she is a prominent Iranian artist in Canada. Her work carries a message of women's liberation, and she enjoys significant popularity among Iranians.

Skyrise Media Society hosted an event to honour Fereshteh Farmand on April 28 at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody. The event saw the participation of many local artists who shared their experiences of working with Farmand. Throughout the program, there were various performances of dance and music. At the end of the event, Fred Soofi, a well-known figure in the community, presented two plaques of appreciation and certificate to Fereshteh Farmand.

One from Rick Glumac, MLA Port Moody-Coquitlam for Outstanding contributions to music, song, arts and culture in our community and beyond, and another from The Vancouver InterCultural Orchestra Sincerely Salutes for Her many years of performance, leadership, service and contribution to foundational cultural development in the Greater Vancouver region and throughout the Iranian Canadian community in Canada.

Fereshteh Farmand continues to nurture students in Iran online from her home in BC.

Her work demonstrates that art knows no borders or restrictions.

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society