The butterflies show getting free from the cocoon and being able to fly. It’s about an emergence and starting a new life.
With my Body Map, I wanted to show the power and empowerment of women — how much we can do, how independent we can be, and how strong we are. A woman can do anything.
The butterflies on my map are symbols of freedom. They represent transformation — the moment when you break free from the cocoon and begin to fly. For me, they are about new beginnings, about believing in yourself and embracing change. The butterfly is the woman who is becoming something new, emerging into her own life again.
I also placed diamonds on the paper. The diamonds represent the challenges we face every day — big or small. They remind me that we must keep living, keep facing what comes, and not give up. Life is full of difficulties, but it is also full of beauty and light.
I have had many challenges in my life, like so many women I know. My husband was very sick, and I cared for him for many years. It was hard work, and I often felt unappreciated. But I did it because it was right, and because I wanted peace in my conscience. Doing what I needed to do reminded me that I am strong, and that strength has kept me going.
When my husband passed away, I finally found some peace of mind. I began to paint again, to make art, and to live independently. For the first time in a long time, I felt free. His illness had lasted twenty years, and those years were very difficult, but now I can breathe again.
I came to Australia from Iran, where my daughter had migrated. I love my daughter and my grandson. It feels perfect — she goes to work, and I stay home and paint. My art fills my days with joy.
In Iranian culture, women — especially older women — are respected and valued. Families care for their elders at home; they don’t send them to aged care. That respect is part of who we are as people. But the culture I love is not the same as the government that rules my country. The regime in Iran does not respect women. It suppresses them every day. Women are forced to cover their bodies and hair against their will and pushed out of public life.
As a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, I can never speak about my religion in Iran. Under Islamic law, that is punishable by death. The values of the Iranian people are not the same as the values of the regime. There is a huge gap between them — between what is in our hearts and what the government allows.
Here in Australia, I see something very different. I see respect for older women. I see care and services for older people. There are workshops, transport, good roads, and support. I see that the government tries to make life easier for older people, and that means a lot. I come from a place where there is little respect, and here, I see so much of it. I choose to see the glass as full. This is a law-abiding country, and I think that is good.
Right now, I am living on a bridging visa while I apply for citizenship. Because of this, I don’t receive any services. I know they exist, but I cannot access them. Still, I can see how well this country looks after its people, and that gives me hope.
It would be dangerous for me to return to Iran. During the Women, Life, Freedom movement, I joined rallies here in Australia to show my solidarity with the women of Iran. Photos of me at those rallies were shared widely on Iranian social media. If I went back, I could be arrested or worse. As an older woman, I could not endure the violence and pressure of prison. My message to all governments is simple: human rights must be respected for both the young and the old.
Older women need services, support, and opportunities. That’s why I loved the Body Mapping workshop. I think we should have this kind of gathering once or twice a week. It made me feel good — really good. Everyone was happy. It gave me energy. If I could help teach others to paint, I would gladly do that.
Reflections on the workshop
What I loved most was that the workshop itself showed that older women matter. Something had been organised for us. When you asked us to create our Body Maps, it made me feel valued — as if our experiences, our hands, our stories still mean something.
When we get older, we often think our work is done — that we’ve raised our children and given what we had to give. But being part of something new reminded me that I still have worth. I still have something to offer. The workshop made me feel good and happy to be alive, to share my ideas, and to see other women doing the same.
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