Intelligence Squared The Afghan Women Writing for Freedom, with Marie Bamyani, Zarghuna Kargar and Lucy Hannah
May 18, 2022
Join Zarghuna Kargar, a journalist and author of "Dear Zari," along with Lucy Hannah, founder of the UNTOLD writing program, as they illuminate the struggles and resilience of Afghan women writers. The discussion reveals the urgent need for supporting local literary voices, emphasizing the power of storytelling in the face of adversity. They explore the challenges of translating these poignant narratives amidst sociopolitical upheaval and highlight literature as a vital tool for cultural preservation and resistance in a repressive environment.
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Untold's Origin
- Lucy Hanna's work with Afghan scriptwriters revealed the difficulties they faced in publishing fiction.
- This sparked the idea for Untold, a program supporting marginalized writers in conflict zones.
Surprise at Publication
- Marie Bamyani was surprised her story would be published, given the male dominance of Afghan publishing.
- This highlights the barriers women face in Afghan literature.
Criticism of Women's Writing
- Zarghuna Kargar recalls male colleagues criticizing simplified writing styles for women's programs.
- This reflects a lack of belief in Afghan women's writing abilities.
