March 11th, 2021, Dubai (UAE): Unveiling the first of its kind event across the Middle East, Africa and the Sub-continent regions, Ananke’s Women in Literature Festival 2021 is a celebration of the literary genius, creative journeys and lived artistic experiences of the female gender. Marking Women’s History Month and Women’s Day, the 3-day event will take place on (March 30-April 1) to also observe World Book and Copyright Day.
The event aims to look at literature from a gender perspective, the impact and role of translations that expand the scope and audience reach. From Dostoevsky to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, readers have enjoyed many adventures. And while they are able to relish the sublime through immense efforts in translations that preserve authors’ authenticity, the role of translators, particularly female translators remain largely unacknowledged, long forgotten and even unrecognized.
The event focuses the topic of literary translations as one of its major themes with the festival showcasing three illuminating panels entirely on non-English literature by women and the importance of translating and globalizing female literati’s voice. When it comes to translated works of literature by women, there is a yawning gap with fewer books by female authors making the cut. While some writers become renowned in their home countries, their works and brilliance is seldom celebrated outside or across English-speaking audiences.
In addition to this, the discussion will put forth critical questions such as does gender factor in when translating a work of literature? Does it impact and influence linguistic styles, perceptions and interpretations? The festival will also center on regional literature and especially that by female writers and authors which is more than likely to fall prey to linguistic resistance.
Naima Rashid
Talking about the event, and participating in the Women’s Voices, Lost in Translation panel, eminent writer, poet and translator, Naima Rashid said: “Mainstream lit fests are the new playgrounds of the elite. In creating this alternative festival where women will have room to own their space and thrive, Ananke has taken a confident step in the right direction by daring to ask the necessary questions – Who has power in these spaces and why? How do we correct the imbalance, and become the change we want to see? Onwards.”
Mina Malik
Dr. Nukhbah Taj Langah
Through this festival, Ananke strives to not just celebrate creativity of female fiction and non-fiction writers, but to highlight female literary history and showcase – many a times – invisibilized women writers in cultural festival line-ups. The Women in Literature Festival plans to highlight how literature produced by women needs to be showcased, promoted and celebrated globally via translations, digital documentation and more.
Dr. Amina Yaqin
Confirmed speakers and moderators of the translation panels include inspirational academicians, writers and award winning authors: Dr. Amina Yaqin, Naima Rashid, Dr. Nukhbah Taj Langah, Rabbania Shirjeel, Mina Malik, Mehr F Husain (moderator), Sabin Muzaffar (Moderator) and more.
Rabbania Shirjeel
Partnering with leading authors, literary & feminist entities and publishers including Zuka Books, Readomania, Seagull Books, Zubaan Books, the Gender Security Project, Authors Alliance, Ananke hopes to set a new standard in literary festivals where there is greater visibility of female literati as well as diversified conversation on inclusion.
Sessions on Translations:
Day 1 – March 30th, 2021 | Tuesday
| Panel – 45 mins | 1.25 PM – 2.10 PM UAE Time | Translating Women: The impact of gender and translated work |
Day 2 – March 31st, 2021 | Wednesday
| Panel 45 mins | 4.50 PM – 5.35 PM UAE Time | Women’s Voices: Lost in Translation |
Day 3 – April 1st, 2021 | Thursday
| Publisher’s Corner | 5.45 PM – 6.30 PM UAE Time | Globalizing Literature By Women Through Translation |
To register click on this form.
For more information: media@anankemag.com
Social Media: #WLF2021 #WomenInLitFest
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram: @Anankemag
About Ananke:
Ananke is a non-profit, digital platform empowering through awareness, advocacy and education. Launched in 2014 in Dubai UAE, the organization strives to trigger conversations on inclusion, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in the digital realm. Breaking barriers to empower women, the organization is a World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) nominee for 2019 and 2020. Recently, Ananke hosted the first ever digital Girl Summit across the MENA and Subcontinent regions with attendees from all over the world.
For more information, visit: https://www.anankemag.com
Ananke also publishes special editions on the ISSUU platform and can be viewed here.
To check out videos of Ananke’s previous our YouTube or Vimeo channels.
