Female literati play key role in creating awareness about socio-democratic uplift

Islamabad
Women writers and poets have played key role in creating awareness of socio-democratic uplift in the society. They not only write about their trials and tribulations, but also about the social constraints and taboos that mars their own development. While women Literati faced restrictions some decades back in expressing their thoughts and feelings, but now they have emerged as leading voices in literature and receive honour and recognition for their works.
These views were expressed by the four leading women Literati Sarwat Mohyuddin, Zareen Yaseen, Nilofar Iqbal and Ayesha Masood at an event titled ‘Women in Literature’, organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and Rawalpindi Arts Council in connection with the 4th National Women at Work Festival at the RAC auditorium here on Wednesday.
The talk and recitation of poetry and prose was followed by an interactive session with students and the audience.
Zareen Yaseen, a well known poet from the USA, has been promoting Urdu literature in the in South American states. Speaking on the occasion she said, women’s literature has significant role in the social development of the society. Now the women writers are getting breathing space and due respect for their contribution towards literature, she said.
Zareen Yaseen was of the views that for a healthy society we need to understand the passion and feelings of the women who plays different roles at different tiers of life and they have managed to create awareness about rights and issues as well.
Sarwat Mohyuddin, while narrating her story of success, said that it was her conscious efforts to excel in life and it’s the urge that helps to recognise one’s own potential. Sarwat specialises in Sufi poetry and also writes in Punjabi, and often invited by the universities across the globe to lecture on Punjabi poetry.
Nilofar Iqbal is well known for her short stories. She read extracts from her story ‘Hisab’ that reflects the agony of a mother who spent all her life in grooming her children, but they successfully embarks on their journey of life, neglecting their mother. Nilofar, the author of two books, expressed that woman at all levels suffer from neglect and abandonment, even from their own loved ones.
Ayesha Masood, a poet and columnist, said that senior women writers have sacrificed a lot to ease the journey of young women writers and poet to be accepted and recognized according to their literary caliber.
Munir Ahmed, Executive Director Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and the founder of the festival said that there are many examples where women writers overshadow their male counter parts in their literary pursuit.