ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a literary event spotlighted the life and literary contribution of Kishwar Naheed, one of the foremost Urdu feminist poets, and matriarch of resistance writing.

She symbolises the ‘bad women’ metaphorically for those brave women who challenge patriarchy, raise their voice against social injustices and brutalities. The launching ceremony of Ms Naheed’s book Buri Aurat Ki Doosri Katha (bad woman’s second story) was organised by the Indus Forum of Writers and Intellectuals (IFWI) in collaboration with the National Press Club (NPC).

The book, a sequel to Ms Naheed’s autobiography Buri Aurat Ki Katha (bad woman’s story), is an indictment of the patriarchal society that brutalises women in the name of customs, religion and ‘honour’ to subjugate and oppress them.

Shoaib Sultan Khan, one of the rural development gurus of South Asia, in his presidential address was all praise for the poet, saying her books opened his eyes about women empowerment in a real sense.

Senator Krishna Kumari said the book is a slap on the face of those retrogressive forces who oppose women’s right to work, education and equal space.

This was echoed by journalist and columnist Wajahat Masaud who recalled I. A. Rahman’s quote that a democratic society could not be established without the emancipation and participation of women.

Dr Nazir Mahmood said Ms Naheed’s new book is an account of her struggles through life as a young poet and the challenges.

This was also echoed by the poet’s friend and short story writer Nayyar Iqbal.

Painter and activist Samar Minallah said Ms Naheed’s poetry is the source of inspiration and a beacon in the darkness for women and girls.

Poet and HRCP secretary general Harris Khalique said Ms Naheed is one of the pioneers of feminist movement and resistance poetry who defied all odds, continued to push boundaries and gained space for their expression in the patriarchal world.

Social activist and writer Zafarullah Khan said the book encapsulates her journey from Bulandshahr to Islamabad and the chequered history of Pakistan.

IIUI lecturer Amina Bibi read a paper on the life and work of Ms Naheed and said her book negates the stereotypes about and ethos of women.

IFWI head Qasim Boggio, who conducted the event, shared the objective of the forum to celebrate those writers and poets who feel the social injustices.

PFUJ General Secretary Nasir Zaidi, NPC President Shakeel Anjum and poet Sajjad Lakha also paid tributes to her.

Ms Naheed expressed her gratitude to the organisers and speakers for arranging the event to share love, adding that she was disturbed with rising extremism in society.

She said how could a socially conscious writer and poet remain indifferent to injustices and violence against weaker segments of society.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2021