Famous writers call for recognition of women authors in MENA and beyond

SHARJAH, November 6, 2021 (WAM) – An insightful discussion on “The Presence of Women in Literary Achievement” that addressed issues of representation and recognition drew large numbers of women and girls to the 40th International Book Fair of Sharjah which continues its race at Expo Center Sharjah until November 13, 2021.

Panel members included Dr. Badriya Al Bishr, award-winning Saudi novelist and author; Asma Al Zarooni, Emirati writer and vice-chair of the board of directors of the UAE Writers Union, and Rabina Khan, British writer and politician of Bangladeshi origin.

Discussing the challenges of establishing her career as a writer in Saudi Arabia and encouraging women to come into the intellectual spotlight, Dr Al Bishr said: “Women and men both deserve to be in the spotlight. the projectors. Previously, women tried to become just like men. But today we live in a world where a woman can celebrate her uniqueness. We need to express our uniqueness as women instead of trying to be like men. “

Citing the accomplishments of Bodour Al Qasimi, the first woman in the Arab world to be appointed President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), Dr Al Bishr said: “The presence of such a model is an indication of the capacity of a woman, of her abilities and her intellect in the field of publishing. Bodour Al Qasimi encourages women to “wake up” and she plants the seed of hope in us. “

Rabina Khan, author of “My hair is pink under this veil,” called for equal economic and political conditions for women of color everywhere. The author also laments the fact that only 3.5% of books in the MENA region are published and translated in the UK.

“Women are the pioneers of writing. They are the ones who started singing lullabies and telling stories to their children, ”said Asma Al Zarooni, author of“ Whispering of the Beaches ”and“ The Late Body ”. Highlighting various ongoing Emirati initiatives that encourage young people to write, Al Zarooni added: “The UAE is a country with a rich cultural heritage; we believe in culture and cultural diversity.