KARACHI, July 1: Poetry that reflected the anguish and sufferings of women was the centrepiece of a recital by Attiya Dawood at a café here on Sunday.

Dawood’s readings were accompanied by literary critic Asif Farrukhi, who read out his translations of the poet’s work.

Among the pieces Dawood recited was Apni Beti Ke Naam, in which the poet addresses the issue of karo-kari, while another poem expressed a mother’s agony at the rape of her two-year-old daughter, apparently based on a real incident.

Keeping true to her reputation as a committed feminist, Attiya Dawood conveyed her thoughts, through verse, about women who have to balance their family and professional lives in Aap Beeti, while Pyar Ki Sarhadein and Berung Tasveer were about male expectations and perceptions of women.

In between her readings, the poet narrated interesting anecdotes that related to the work and exchanged banter with the audience, answering their questions relating to her poetry. Dawood said one of the major turning points in her writing career was in the seventh grade, when she sent an emotional poem to various newspapers (which was published) after a Sindhi nationalist was murdered.

The writer also talked about a TV serial she has written, Aseer Shehzadi, which is currently being aired on Hum TV that concerns issues such as child abuse, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriages, and other such social stigmas. Paintings by the poet’s husband, Khuda Bux Abro, were also on display at the venue. Attiya Dawood ended her recital with a piece in Urdu called Child Custody and a Sindhi poem, read out on popular demand.—QAM