Pakistani Writers Participate In Global Women In Literature Festival

Ananke, a global digital development platform empowering women through awareness, advocacy and education, has announced the Women in Literature Festival 2021, planned to be held from March 30th – April 1st 2021. Across South Asia and the Middle East, this is the first literary, virtual event of its kind where authors, publishers and academicians from all over the world will be at the forefront to showcase and celebrate the crucial role women literati have played in developing and furthering the written word.

Through this festival, Ananke seeks to highlight the critical role women have played in Pakistan’s history and the imperative part they are playing in literature’s present revival. The organisation has teamed up with Pakistani organisations including Zuka Books, Ala Books and Authors, Authors Alliance Pakistan, The Jane Austen Society of Pakistan, The Desi Collective and The Aleph Review. Distinguished names from the local literary fraternity are participating in full force.

There are a plethora of exciting sessions, panels and talks. These include a conversation between Sheela Reddy author of Mr and Mrs Jinnah and Moni Mohsin whose recent book The Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R has just been released on day 1 of the event. Baela Raza Jamil, founder of the Children’s literature festival and Angela Joy, author of the book Black Is A Rainbow Colour are set to enthrall the audience with their segment titled: “Today's Children's Literature - Beyond Gender Stereotyping.”

Talking about the festival, eminent author, Faiqa Mansab said: “Ananke has stepped in to fill the vacuum for women, especially women of colour, who feel under-represented and who face roadblocks on their journey to publishing.”

Panelists including a glittering array of Pakistani females - based in Pakistan and abroad - associated with the written word including Afshan Shafi, Dr. Amina Yaqin, Aisha Hamid, Ayesha Raees, Aysha Baqir, Dr. Nukhbah Langah, Fatima Ijaz, Laaleen Sukhera, Mahnaz Rahman, Mina Malik-Hussain, Mehvash Amin, Moni Mohsin, Naima Rashid, Taiba Abbas, Rabbania Shirjeel, Rashin Choudhary, Saadia Gardezi, Shazaf Fatima, Soniah Kamal, Wajiha Hyder, Zahra Hameed and Zarminae Ansari amongst many others.

Partnering with leading authors, literary and feminist entities and publishers including Zuka Books, Readomania, Seagull Books, Zubaan Books, the Gender Security Project, Authors Alliance Pakistan, Ananke hopes to set a new standard in literary festivals where there is greater visibility of female literati as well as diversified conversation on inclusion.

Online registration is available here.