Graphic novels, mythology, humour writing, science fiction — it would be a fallacy to stereotype these genres as malecentric, not when there are plenty of women writers competing in this field.
To showcase talented women writers to the city, SheThePeople, a storytelling platform that inspires women to exchange ideas, is organising a Women Writers’ Fest for the first time in Bengaluru on August 24 at Indiranagar.
Calling it a celebration of women writers, editors, storytellers, and publishers, communications consultant Rupali Mehra, who is associated with the event, said: “We have conducted two events in Delhi and Mumbai. Bengaluru was chosen this time as it has produced talented women authors and poets and has a vibrant reading culture.”
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The event will see participation from writers including Shinie Antony, Sowmya Aji, Jane De Suza, Jahnavi Barua, Gita Aravamudan, and Priyanka Pathak Narain.
“The idea was to give rise to a platform where we give women voices the majority. That said, our programmes are not restricted to just women. We encourage men to be part of this dialogue,” said Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople.
The day-long event will have panel discussions on women bloggers, women writing humour, mythology, children’s literature, short stories among others. The festival will put the spotlight on gender issues, feminism, creativity, and narratives created by women to define their space.
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On the need for an exclusive event for women, author and blogger Kiran Manral said: “Women writers need a space where they can discuss issues that inform their writing which can be different from what male writers face. A festival like this provides a warm nurturing space to have these conversations.”