Shilan Zade
Former Nomination Candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada 2025
Born into a world where systematic oppression, ethnic marginalization, and economic disparity were daily realities—where gender apartheid was not just accepted but enforced—I learned early on that survival was not just about endurance but about envisioning something greater. As a first-generation immigrant born into war, my childhood was shaped more by resilience than by innocence. Yet, when I arrived in Canada, I carried with me the weight of my past and the hope of a new beginning—a chance to build a future where freedom and opportunity were not distant dreams but tangible realities.
Still, the journey was not without its challenges. Questions and assumptions followed me: Kurdish? Separatist? Muslim? Sunni? Middle Eastern? Iranian? Terrorist? Divorced? Yet, rather than allowing these labels to confine me, I chose to redefine them. Each challenge became a stepping stone, each doubt an opportunity to prove my worth and the limitless potential of those who refuse to be boxed in by society’s expectations. I was here to navigate a new world and shape it.
The immigrant journey is one of constant contradiction. Canada, a land of opportunity, also harbours the quiet undercurrent of exclusion—where people embrace diversity yet hold fast to ingrained biases. Navigating this landscape while raising a child, rebuilding my identity, and striving for success was a road filled with challenges and revelations. I learned that in diaspora communities, people carry their past like a treasured possession—sometimes as a source of strength or a barrier to growth.
But something changed when I stood among thousands, chanting Woman, Life, Freedom. It was a moment of awakening—realizing that my personal struggles were political and that my voice was part of a larger fight. I was no longer just surviving; I was ready to lead. My political journey was not about seeking power but about breaking barriers and ensuring that voices like mine—voices of immigrants, women, and those who refuse to be silenced—were heard.
As I stepped onto the campaign trail, I encountered people from all walks of life—some willing to challenge their beliefs, others holding onto their ideologies as if they were sacred relics. It was a fascinating and, at times, frustrating experience. Canada prides itself on being open-minded, yet true transformation only happens when people are willing to step outside their intellectual comfort zones.
Through it all, I have come to understand that my past, my struggles, and the labels imposed on me do not define my limits—they represent my strength. The barriers I have faced have only sharpened my vision. I refuse to be reduced by discrimination, and the fear of others will not deter me. Instead, I rise—stronger, bolder, and with a deeper sense of purpose.
My political campaign was not an end but a beginning. The road ahead is long, but I walk it with the unwavering belief that my contributions will serve my community and all of Canada. This is my story—a testament to perseverance, transformation, and the power of standing up when the world tries to keep you down.
For those who have ever felt silenced, overlooked, or underestimated, I want you to know that your voice matters. Change begins when we dare to challenge, dream, and take action. So, I continue—focused, determined, and ready to strike when the moment is right—because my journey has just begun.
I read somewhere that if your dream only includes yourself, your dream isn’t big enough!
