PESHAWAR: Speakers at a book launching ceremony held here the other day called upon writers to use their talent for highlighting issues of women in the male dominated society.

They said that women writers found space to express themselves and required due attention of the government and civil society to listen to their voices.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, who chaired the event, said that government should patronise such literary forums where women writers and poets could contribute their literary works. “I hope provincial government would respond to my request,” he added.

Participants of the event said that women writers should bring out their talent through social media and should come up with new ideas to address their issues.

They also paid tribute to Prof Abaseen Yousafzai for his support and encouragement.

Four newly-published books in Pashto and Urdu launched

Fatima Gul, a young poet from Swabi, stole the show by reciting an inspiring poem on the plight of women, saying they could win the war of oppression through the strength of their lofty imagination.

The event was organised by Khwendo Adabi Lakhkar (Khal), a forum of women writers, at the district office of Awami National Party wherein four new books, two each in Pashto and Urdu, were launched.

The books have been penned down by Sajida Mqabool Tanha, Dr Saba Khan and Syeda Shabnam.

The speakers highlighted salient features of the new books titled ‘Khkaalu’, ‘Da Khabaray Me Da Zarrh De’, ‘Mohabat Hain Saba Jaisee’ and ‘Bandhan’.

Kulsoomzeb, president of Khal, in his inaugural remarks said that her organisation in a short span of time covered a long and difficult path enabling women writers, poets and research scholars to bring out their works and give due place to women issues in a creative manner in their writings.

Zeba Afridi, vice president of Khal, presented a comprehensive report on the activities of the organisation including publications and launching books, conducting seminars and representing KP women in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, and Kabul. She said that women literati should use their inborn talent to paint a true picture of the society.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai said that till a few years ago, half of the Pakhtun society was paralysed as most women writers and poets remained underground owing to social taboos. He added that now they could express what they thought and the way they felt.

Ghamgeen Mayari, Farzana Rasool and Sajida Maqbool Tanha also addressed the event.

Later, a bilingual poetry recitation session was also held in which Gogal Jan, Syed Shabnam, Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai and Abaseen Yousafzai participated.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2021