WZO Committee Member, Dr Zenobia Nadirshaw was made a Freeman of the City of London

Zenobia receiving her freedom certificate from Murray Craig, 37th Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court

On Thursday 16th November 2017, Dr Zenobia Nadirshaw was made a Freeman of the City of London.

In her Declaration as a Freeman she has affirmed that she will be good and true to our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second amongst many other duties that she must fulfil.

We all know Dr Zenobia Nadirshaw who has helped many women in their growth and development in the UK while she has been a great mentor, and most of the time, she does this not because she is financially rewarded but because she is passionate on helping people, especially women.

The granting of the Honorary Freedom (or Freedom Honoris Causa) of the City of London is extremely rare and only generally awarded today to Royalty, Heads of State or to figures of genuine global standing.

It is the highest honour which is in the power of the City of London to bestow on someone and usually takes place in Guildhall in the presence of the Common Council and with Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen present, along with invited guests.

The presentation on these occasions is made by the Chamberlain of London,and is often followed by a Guildhall or Mansion House banquet.

 Zenobia with WZO President Sammy Bhiwandiwalla to her right and other prominent members of the Zoroastrian Community

Whilst the Honorary Freedom is indeed recognition of lifetime achievement or high international standing, the Freedom of the City of London is open to a much wider section of society, and include many who have achieved success, recognition or celebrity in their chosen field.

About 1800 Freemen are admitted each year by the Clerk to the Chamberlain of the City of London at a simple but formal ceremony at Guildhall to which friends and family can accompany.

A certificate is presented on this occasion.

Zenobia posing for another photograph

There is a long-standing tradition of the City admitting women to the Freedom.

Although nowadays usually called Freemen as well, the historically correct way of referring to them is: Free Sisters.

Professor Nadirshaw is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with three Honorary Doctorates and 40 years’ experience as a practicing psychologist.

Her areas of experience and practice include, clinical, managerial, academic and research experience relating to corporate planning, service provision and service delivery issues.

She is very caring, very giving and for this she was recognised and cited as the “Inspiring Woman of the Year” in the Migrant Woman Conference and Awards in 2016, for the love that she has given to everyone that she met and helped to transform their lives.

She was Team leader/Manager, Head of Psychology in Hertfordshire and in a number in London Boroughs, has written, published and lectured widely on her subjects of expertise relating to ethnicity, mental health and disability.

Professor Nadirshaw is an external examiner of post – graduate studies in clinical psychology to three Universities, a National Assessor on behalf of the Department of Health for consultant posts, a mentor and a supervisor, editorial board member of national journals, chair and committee member of The British Psychological Society and a number of other committees.

She has been the winner of national awards in recognition of her work within the profession.

She was Governor of a London University, was advisor to two Ministers of Health and is now Trustee of 3 major charity organisations.

Zenobia serves on the International Board of World Zoroastrian Organisation UK.

Her skills, knowledge and expertise lie in: assessment and formulation of stress issues, anxiety and depression in the work-place and workforce, team management, new business development and business strategy, mentoring, negotiation, action research, change and risk management, organisational development.

Our congratulations to Zenobia for being nominated for this accolade.