Women Like Me
An Evening of Poetry by Arab Women

أحب النساء مثلي- امسية شعرية نسائية

We write because we want to choose the words that tell our stories. "Women Like Me" is a poetry and open mic night held to celebrate the work of Arab women who share a passion for arts, poetry, writing and music. It is a gathering where we will read to each other the words we have written or recite the work of our favourite poets.

When poetry in the Arab world is discussed, female Arab poets are often underrepresented. Through a short presentation we will highlight famous women poets from the Arab world. The presentation will be followed by a series of poetry readings by local poets and the night will end with an open mic and music.

We are honoring Arab women poets on the occasion of International Women's Day, which comes at a significant moment in the Arab world following the successful Intifadas in Egypt and Tunisia. It is a time of celebration all around! So bring a poem by an Arab woman, or your own to share, and join us for an intimate night of celebrating "women like us."

   .The event will be both in English and Arabic

Speakers/performers:

Dima Ayoub will give a brief overview of women's contributions to the tradition of Arabic poetry in modern and pre-modern context.

Dima Ayoub is a PhD Candidate in the Institute of Islamic Studies at McGill University. She specializes in Modern Arabic literature and its intersections with issues of translation, postcoloniality, feminism and political and linguistic conflict. She is also an exquisite and fastidious cook -- specializing in Levantine and California cuisine.


Nayrouz
Diana Younes
Sabwah
Salma
Nehal
Ghaida/Oliver
Mary-Lou Zeitoun

Others to be announced.

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Need to know:
- Door open at 4:45
- Donation / PWYC
- Sorry, not wheelchair accessible

Tasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) and Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.