Sharjah Festival of African Literature focuses on feminist writing and women’s stories
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
SHARJAH: The Sharjah Festival of African Literature 2026 highlighted the power of feminist writing in saving culture and memories during a special talk held in Sharjah.
The talk was called “Feminist Writing and Preserving Memory” and took place at University City, Sharjah. It was organised by the Sharjah Book Authority as part of the festival theme “In the Footsteps of Africa.” The session brought together Emirati writer Nadia Al Najjar and Rwandan writer Scholastique Mukasonga. Journalist Alya Al Mansouri led the discussion.
During the session, the speakers explained how feminist writing helps share women’s lives, feelings, and experiences. They said writing by women is a way to record personal and shared memories and show how societies change over time. Feminist writing also helps women’s voices reach more readers around the world.
Nadia Al Najjar spoke about the growth of women writers in the UAE. She said Emirati women are now writing more novels and short stories, and many of these works are winning Arab literary awards. She explained that every writer has her own voice, shaped by her society, time, and place. She also spoke about challenges women writers face, such as finding time to write, reaching readers, and staying free to express ideas despite limits from publishing or public opinion.
Scholastique Mukasonga shared her thoughts on African women’s writing. She said many African women started writing quietly for themselves before sharing their stories with others. Over time, their writing became a way to save women’s experiences and raise cultural awareness. She explained that African women have always protected community memories through storytelling, and today they continue this role through books and written stories. She added that African women writers are now more visible across the world.
The Sharjah Festival of African Literature also hosted a poetry event called “Poems Without Borders.” Emirati and African poets took part, including Lemin Sisay, Sheikha Al Mutairi, Ayalneh Mulatu Abiji, and Mwanasha Mohamed Omar. Their poems spoke about travel, heritage, memory, and imagination, showing how poetry can connect people from different cultures.
The festival continues to celebrate African literature and cultural exchange, making Sharjah a meeting place for writers, poets, and readers from around the world.
