Women rights after French Revolution became a deeply contested issue in intellectual history, especially when re-examined through the lens of Simone de Beauvoir’s landmark work The Second Sex. Translated into Urdu by Yasir Jawad under the title Aurat: Jismani, Tareekhi, Nafsiati aur Muasharti Mutala, this text remains central to feminist thought and modern social critique. … Read more
The First Women Rights Advocates were not merely participants in a broader movement — they were the torchbearers who challenged the norms of their time. Their activism, courage, and intellect laid the foundation for modern feminism, particularly in colonised societies like Egypt, where gender and politics intersected in powerful and complex ways. Leila Ahmed’s pivotal … Read more
Urdu feminist letter writing has rarely been as impactful as in Laila ke Khutoot, the bold and poetic work of Qazi Abdul Ghaffar. Through an imaginary female character, “Laila,” this literary piece transforms a simple letter into a fiery manifesto against patriarchy, hypocrisy, and the emotional manipulation women endure in a male-dominated society. This isn’t … Read more
Introduction Begum Shaista Ikramullah played a crucial role in the Pakistan Movement, advocating for women’s rights and contributing significantly to literature and politics. Her autobiography, From Purdah to Parliament, provides valuable insights into her journey, struggles, and achievements. Early Life and Education Born on July 22, 1915, in Calcutta, Begum Shaista Ikramullah belonged to an … Read more
Introduction Gender representation in Urdu literature has evolved significantly over the centuries. In the early days, women were largely depicted in traditional roles such as lovers, faithful wives, and devoted mothers. However, with social and intellectual movements, their portrayal has undergone a remarkable transformation. This blog explores how gender representation in Urdu literature has changed … Read more
Introduction Ecofeminism: A Philosophical Movement Bridging Gender Justice and Environmental Protection is a growing social and philosophical movement that highlights the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, gender equality, and social justice. The ecofeminist perspective suggests a strong relationship between the exploitation of women and the degradation of nature, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions to tackle … Read more
The Partition of India, a momentous and tragic chapter in the history of the subcontinent, reshaped millions of lives. This blog draws inspiration from a column by Zahida Hina, published in Daily Express News on October 6, 2024. Among the countless individuals displaced, bereft, or thrust into the search for a new identity, women bore … Read more
1857 War of Independence: A Tale of Valor and Tragedy The 1857 War of Independence, often referred to by the British as “The Mutiny” or “The Rebellion,” is a pivotal moment in the annals of South Asian history. While celebrated as the first major attempt to overthrow British rule in India, this historical event is … Read more
The Significance of Morality in the History of the World: Morality has always been a vital element in human history, transcending eras and cultures. Throughout the ages, its standards have varied among different societies and communities. However, its importance has never diminished, and every civilization has crafted its unique philosophy of ethics. Historical accounts reveal … Read more
In the early days of the Urdu language, the dialect commonly spoken at home significantly differed from the form we encounter today in the poetry, stories, articles, and letters of the 19th century. An interesting aspect of this evolution is that most of those responsible for documenting this language in written form were men, as … Read more
