The Saida Waheed Gender Initiative and the Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature held a talk by Sindhi Feminist Poets, Attiya Dawood, Tanveer Anjum and Amar Sindhu titled, “Struggles and Dreams: Three Feminist Poets” on September 14, 2017.
Dr. Kamran Asdar Ali, Dean, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) started the programme by introducing the three poets.
Attiya Dawood is a celebrated Sindhi poet, writer, and activist, who has been hailed as ‘the most important feminist writer in Sindhi’. Through her writings, she highlights the oppression of women in a Pakistani society in the name of tradition. She also raises her voice against misogyny and bias, and advocates the empowerment of women.
Tanveer Anjum is a prominent Urdu poet and translator. To date, seven collections have been published in her name. Her poems have been translated and anthologised in various countries.
Amar Sindhu is a prominent columnist, activist, and Sindhi language poet. Sindhu is also a Professor of Philosophy and Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy at Sindh University, Jamshoro. She is a socialist and an active member of Women’s Action Forum.
The introductions were followed by a conversation with the poets that revolved around their personal, creative and political histories - bringing out the important intersections between political activism, feminist thought and creative work.
The three poets also recited their works for the audience which was very well received. The audience also engaged them further by questioning the guests about their feminist thoughts. The session was a well-attended affair with LUMS faculty and students as well as prominent figures from the literacy scene present at the occasion.
A similar session was held at Books and Beans in Gulberg on September 15. It was moderated by writer Bilal Tanweer.
