PESHAWAR: Speakers at the launching ceremony of second edition of women literature festival here on Monday called upon literati and rights activists to highlight women issues and challenge the perspective of portrayal of women’s role in the society.

They urged stakeholders to play their role in eliminating stereotypes, clichés and so-called oppressive social traditions.

The inaugural ceremony of second edition of the weeklong women literature festival was arranged under the auspices of Dosti Welfare Foundation (DWF) in collaboration with administration of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University in its main hall. Delegates including literati, rights activists and noted women from different walks of life attended the event.

Tributes were paid to successful and eminent women in various fields from education, politics, to art and culture and even modern day high technology.

Speakers lauded literary, social and political contributions of women during the last decades despite restrictions and cultural taboos.

Tashfen Haider, director general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), said on the occasion that role of women in shaping the society fabric was inevitable. She added that KP women had great potential in them, especially young women were contributing to society in different fields.

Rakhshanda Naz, provincial ombudsperson for protection of women against harassment, stressed the need for raising awareness among womenfolk through literature. She said that written words could best express problems and issues being faced by women.

Dr Hamida Bibi, chief organiser of the festival, said that the administration of SBBWU was committed to empowerment of women and would always support the cause of raising voice of women for their due rights.

A panel discussion titled ‘literature and women’ was held in which Fouzia Taj, Shaheen Amin, Uzma Mukaram, Shamshad Nazli and Dr Bismena spoke on the reflection of women’s role and rights in the society. They shed light on various aspects of women life and their status, urging writers to depict true image of women.

It was followed by a book launching ceremony in which an Urdu book by Bushra Farrukh was reviewed critically. Ms Farrukh has played a vital role in promoting cause of women as her contribution has influenced literary trends regarding feminism.

Altaf Qadir and Mohammad Rafique Khan, the director social welfare, special education and women empowerment, praised the women coming from the merged tribal districts and expressed the hope that such events would help in promoting voices of women in literature.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2024