PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function billed progressive writer and political activist Kulsoomzeb as a ray of hope for young women writers.

Poets and writers gathered to appreciate the literary contribution of Kulsoomzeb and graded her as a source of inspiration for young women literati. They said that women needed a lot of courage and efforts in a male-dominated society to give voice to their issues and problems andexpress the same through their art of writing.

The Peshawar chapter of Pakistan Academy of Letters organised the function here on Tuesday to honour Kulsoomzeb, the chief of Khwendy Adabi Lakhkar (KHAL).

Senior fiction writer Zaitoon Bano, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that it wasencouraging that women writers had their own literary organisations and could express themselves freely in written words.

She said that much had been done during the last few decades and women had an edge to utilise all available forums to voice their hearts and minds. `Women writers have great potential. Kulsoomzeb is fortunate enough to have a progressive minded life partner but her bold expression also speaks volume about her deep insight and understanding of the society,` she added.

Ms Bano said when she began writing in early 50s, it was unthinkable for women, especially for young writers, to compose poetry or participate in literary gatherings. She said that women writers boldly faced the modern day challenges and should Eghtfor their rights.

`Kulsoomzeb should be credited to head a women writers` organisation where she not only encourages young women writers but also motivates them to franlcly use their talent to vent to their problem,` she said.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai said on the occasion that bold women like Kulsoomzeb could mould the society and guide people to know their rights.`Kulsoomzeb has a progressive vision and her poetry is reflective of her vast study along a political struggle for women rights,` he said.

Zeba Afridi, a poet and active member ofKHAL, said that it was responsibility of men to support their women in such positive activities and provide them with opportunities to bring out their hidden talent.Besides Kulsoomzeb, Farooq Jan Babar Azad, Anwarzeb, Asmat Surani, Prof Nasir Ali Syed, Mohammad Ali and Khan Badshah Nusrat also addressed the event.