Srinagar: The Fiction Writers’ Guild (FWG) convened its 323rd session on Saturday, dedicating the special event to International Women’s Day. Held at the Guild’s Srinagar office, the gathering brought together a diverse group of women activists, authors, literary figures, and literature enthusiasts to honor the contributions of women in the literary world and reaffirm the commitment to gender equality.
The event served as a platform to celebrate the voices and stories of women writers, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir. Participants resolved to challenge entrenched patriarchy and pledged to work toward securing equal opportunities for women in literature and society at large.
In her welcome address, prominent writer Dr. Neelofar Naz Nehvi set the tone for the session, emphasizing the importance of women’s representation in literature. Dr. Rafia Wali followed with her presentation of Fiction Tehreer, the Guild’s weekly column. Her write-up titled “Tanasiyat, Adab aur Ijmali Jayiza” examined the intricate relationship between gender and literature.
The session featured readings of two impactful short stories. Dr. Henana Barjees presented her English story “Tears Could Build a Stairway”, while Dr. Nikhat Nazar shared her Kashmiri language piece “Angnus Manz Shongit Zoon”. Both stories sparked animated discussions, praised for their thematic relevance to women’s experiences and their significance in marking International Women’s Day.
One of the key highlights of the session was a panel discussion themed ‘Jammu Kashmir Ka Nisaie Fiction’. Moderated by Ms. Hina Khan, the discussion featured an esteemed presidium that included Ms. Rukhsana Jabeen, Prof. Sujan Kour Bali, Dr. Kousar Rasool, and Dr. Neelofar Nehvi. Together, they explored the contributions and challenges of women fiction writers in Jammu and Kashmir.
The discussion was broadened to include insights from noted literary voices such as Dr. Maroof Shah, Riyaz Masroor, Showkat Shafi, Akbar ul Zaman, Sabahat Nazir, G.N. Shahid, and Munazah Fayaz. The speakers collectively addressed the issues of gender bias in literature and the pressing need to dismantle systemic barriers facing women authors today.
The session also featured an evocative poetry recital by Ms. Masroofa Qadir, an acclaimed poet, author, and teacher. Her poem “Naraz Sakhi” was met with appreciation for its emotional depth and social relevance. Ms. Qadir skillfully conducted the proceedings of the event, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of discussions and presentations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by FWG Vice President Showkat Shafi, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the special session.
Among those present were prominent literary figures and Guild members, including Gh. Mohiudin Reshi, M. Yusuf Shaheen, Aaqib Ahmad, Safeer Ahmad, Niyaaz Bhat, Jahangir Ayaz Haali, Akhtar Mehraj, Hakeem Rouf, Haleema Qadri, Yasmeen Ahad, Zubair Qureshi, and Er. Shafi Ahmad.
