Moroccan feminist authors Rachida Benmassoud and Rabiaa Rayhan highlighted writing as a tool to address women’s challenges and aspirations during the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair in the UAE on Friday.
Speaking at a cultural discussion entitled “Women and Writing,” critic and author Benmassoud shed light on the difficulties and social stigma women faced when attempting to integrate the world of writing, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
Benmassoud said that men have traditionally dominated writing in the Arab world, while women were forced to hide behind pseudonyms to avoid social stigma and sexism. She also pointed to the unfair and two-dimensional portrayal of women in older Arab literature.
The Moroccan feminist writer underscored the role of women in gradually breaking down stereotypes, pushing for a fair portrayal of women in literature, and allowing them to leave their mark on the industry.
Novelist Rabiaa Rayhan also intervened during the panel discussion. She pointed to the growing number of Arab women who have won literature awards as proof of progress in battling sexism in Arab writing.
She noted that men and women writers are now on equal footing as gender no longer stands in the way of success.
This year’s Sharjah International Book Fair has named Morocco as the guest of honor. The Kingdom has presented a 12-day cultural program, featuring 107 events covering various cultural, artistic, and literary fields.
Morocco’s pavilion featured more than 100 writers, authors, and publishers.