In Contemporary Literature, Women Carve Out Space Against the Odds

In recent years, women’s presence in Azerbaijani literature has sparked conversations about equality in the arts, especially as new female writers and poets struggle to make their voices heard. Reflecting this struggle, “Salaam Cinema Cultural and Art Sanctuary” recently held an open-mic event under the banner “Time for Women on the Literary Stage.” This initiative, part of the organization’s “Writing Lab,” aims to confront the glaring imbalance in literature by providing women with a platform to share their work and thoughts. Among the speakers was Elnura Huseynova, an experimental poet and historian, who shared her perspective on the significance of such gatherings for women writers.

Independent Initiatives

At the event, Huseynova read her poetry, delving into the utopian potential of art and its power to forge connections beyond the virtual world. “These events allow me to meet new people and challenge myself in new formats,” she shared. "The social impact of these gatherings is the sense of community they foster. In recent years, we spend more time on social media, yet events like this remind us of the power in coming together as a community.”

Reflecting on the significance of this gathering, she continued, “Salaam Cinema’s events are unique because they create spaces for offline connection. This is an independent initiative, not orchestrated by some directive, but by individuals coming together to make it happen.”

“Have You Ever Seen a Man Bemoaning the Struggles of Being a Male Writer?”

Huseynova pointed to systemic issues within Azerbaijani literature, which she described as often feeling like an all-male gathering. Political and ideological structures, along with the camaraderie and networking among men, have created additional hurdles for women writers seeking visibility. As she put it, “Women in literature are often thought of as a quota rather than equals. Female poets and writers are viewed as somehow separate, as though they’re a different species.”

“They’re not seen purely as poets,” she observed. “Instead, they’re almost always relegated to expressing ‘the female perspective.’ For me, I am a poet. My gender is irrelevant to my art.”

This sentiment resonates with a rising number of independent female writers in Azerbaijan, who are now openly discussing these issues. Events like those organized by Salaam Cinema are instrumental in building visibility and providing emerging female writers with a chance to connect, evolve, and overcome these barriers. As these initiatives gain momentum, they continue to nurture a diverse literary scene, advocating for the recognition and celebration of women’s voices in Azerbaijani literature.