Peshawar hosts women’s literature event
Mayor of Peshawar Haji Zubair Ali, along with other participants, poses for a photo during the inauguration ceremony of the Dosti Peshawar Women’s Literature Festival. Photo: PPI
The inaugural ceremony of the Dosti Peshawar Women's Literature Festival, 1st Edition, took place at the District Assembly Hall, bringing together renowned poetesses, authors, readers, and academics to inspire and empower the future generation.
Prof Dr Safia Ahmed, the Vice Chancellor of Benazir University, extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, K-P chief minister’s wife Dr Parveen Azam, and Mayor Peshawar, Zubair Ali.
In her address, she emphasized the significance of women's participation and contributions to literature and the need to champion gender equality in the literary field. Prof. Dr. Ahmed also commended Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University for hosting the first-ever Women's Literature Festival.
The festival featured an inspiring session where Neelum Afridi shared her success story, underscoring the importance of literature festivals in the contemporary era. She encouraged others to pursue their literary dreams and overcome obstacles on their journey.
Irfan Khan from the Dosti Foundation delivered a speech appreciating the contributions of women in the literary field and acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Hamida Bibi, Tashfeen Zia, Dr. Sumaira Gull, Sania Siraj, and the dedicated organizing team. He expressed gratitude to the Governor and Mayor Peshawar for their support for the event. He believed that literature and education would pave the way for a better future.
Mayor Peshawar, Zubair Ali, congratulated Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmed for conducting the first-ever Women's Literature Festival as the Vice Chancellor of SBBWU. He affirmed the government's commitment to promoting gender equality in various aspects of society and stressed the importance of reading books and using social media for literature promotion. He wished the festival success until its conclusion on November 9th, underscoring how it effectively combined literature with empowerment.
Dr. Parveen Azam Khan appreciated the role of literature in society and how it depicted Peshawar's historical background, customs, and culture.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2023.