PESHAWAR: The first edition of a four-day Dosti Peshawar Women Literature Festival was launched at the District Assembly Hall here on Monday. The event brought together renowned poetesses, authors, readers and academicians for inspiring and empowering future generation.
Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Benazir University, welcomed chief guest Dr Parveen Azam, wife of the KP chief minister, and Peshawar Mayor Haji Zubair Ali.
Ms Safia spoke about the significance of women’s involvement and contribution to literature and the need to support and encourage gender equality in the field of literature. She expressed the pride that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University had hosted the first ever women’s literature festival.
Bushra Farrukh, first PTV announcer and chairperson of Karwan-e-Hawa, said women have always been an important part of literature. Literature is the reflection of a society, she added.
The event also featured an interesting poetry recital by celebrated poetess Samina Qadir, Dr Antal Zia, Dr Shahida Sardar, Samina Mehboob and Dr Saba. The themes of poetry recitals touched self-discovery, resilience, feminism and they very well captivated the audience with their great verses.
Literature enthusiasts had the opportunity to get engaged with the Gul Arabab, the author of book “Dandasa”.
One of the inspiring sessions in the festival was a success story shared by Neelum Afridi where she expressed her thoughts about the need and importance of literature festival in contemporary era. She encouraged others to pursue their dreams and face the hindrances coming across their literary journey.–APP