Women writers stress importance of strengthening women's presence in literature, culture

Kurdish women have become a cornerstone of modern Kurdish literature. Through their writings, they have reflected both individual and collective experiences in the face of occupation, war, and policies of cultural repression, transforming from subjects within literary texts into key contributors to literary and poetic discourse.

In this context, Narin Metini, a member of the Kurdish Writers’ Union in Syria, affirmed that writing serves as a means of preserving identity and resisting attempts to erase it. She noted that the presence of Kurdish women in the cultural sphere has developed significantly in recent years.

Speaking to ANHA's agency, Metini said: “Writing is a weapon of identity and resistance. Women have moved from being subjects within texts to becoming writers who create meaning and contribute to shaping cultural awareness.”

She added that Kurdish women have the ability to represent and advocate for the issues of their people through literature, explaining: “We are the voice of the people and a symbol of women. Through the pen, Kurdish women writers can contribute to shaping the identity of the Kurdish nation and conveying its voice to the world.”

Metini pointed out that the status of Kurdish women in literature has changed dramatically compared to the past, saying: “During the rule of the Ba’ath regime, the number of women writers was very limited. Today, there are dozens of women writing in fields such as fiction, poetry, history, essays, and theater.”

She stressed the importance of bringing Kurdish literature to readers around the world and called on writers, both men and women, as well as young people, to continue their cultural and literary efforts in order to strengthen the global presence of Kurdish culture.

She further noted that Kurdish women have become active participants in political, cultural, and social spheres, emphasizing that the current stage requires greater efforts to highlight their role and achievements in a broader and more influential way.

Metini concluded by stressing the importance of Kurdish women writers paying greater attention to women’s issues in their literary works. She noted that Kurdish women have become role models for many women around the world. She added that women writers should use their pens to express the concerns of their homeland and people, while promoting the values of peace, freedom, and democracy. Writing about these issues, she said, is also a form of self-expression and a defense of identity and rights.

“Women must defend their right to write”

For her part, poet and union member Diala Ali spoke about her journey with writing, saying: “My journey with poetry, in particular, began with my father, who was a poet. Writing requires a long period of dedication for a person to develop their talent and artistic skills through study, reading books, and engaging with the ideas of other writers. This process helps one grow and become more creative.”

She added: “I have been writing for five years and have published a poetry collection titled Seasons Without Joy, with other works currently in progress.”

Regarding women’s presence in literature, the poet explained: “If we look back in time, we find that men wrote about women as subjects. Today, however, women are writing about women, leaving their mark and influencing society.”

She also addressed the challenges faced by women writers, saying: “Some societies still view women through a traditional lens, so obstacles inevitably arise. A great responsibility rests on women themselves to defend their right to write and to build their presence through their sense of motherhood, love, and individuality.”

Diala Ali concluded by emphasizing the importance of empowering women and developing their abilities. She expressed her hope that every woman would be active, productive, and capable of making her voice heard around the world.

“Writing is a shared responsibility between women and men alike,” she said, “because of its vital role in conveying and expressing human and social issues.”

ANHA