On June 18, 1983, 10 Bahá’í women were hanged in prison for their commitment to justice and equality. As the 40th anniversary of this heartbreaking event approaches, I reflect on my personal connection with these remarkable women.

They were my friends, and the older women served as my mentors. I left Iran in 1979, just four years before their execution, and I often wonder if I would have been among them had I stayed.

The international Bahá’í community is inviting artists worldwide to join together in commemoration. The goal is to honor the lives and legacies of these courageous women through various art forms, such as painting, poetry and music.

The commemoration serves a broader purpose beyond remembrance. It aims to raise awareness about religious freedom and the empowerment of women, using art as a tool for unity, compassion, and understanding within society.

Artists who participate in this initiative become advocates, spreading the message far and wide through social media using the hashtag #OurStoryIsOne. The campaign transcends borders, uniting diverse voices for a common cause.

For those who had a personal connection with these women, their sacrifice has driven them to live with guilt and to shed light on their lives. By coming together through art and social media, we can tell their story, raise our voices, and contribute to a world that celebrates justice, equality and the empowerment of women.

This occasion is an opportunity to join hands with artists worldwide and make a difference, inspiring positive change.

Parivash Rohani, Lewiston