The Writings of Rokeya Hossain: A pioneer of her time whose writings hold relevance today

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to analyze selected works of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain and to discuss the importance of her works and her impact on the feminist movement in India before partition. Rokeya Hossain was born in 1880 and died in 1932. She did not receive traditional schooling due to a variety of factors including culture, religion and seclusion practices. However, she was tutored by her brother and later supported by her husband in her writing endeavors. In this paper, I will examine her translated works and discuss her impact on Indian society. As a Muslim woman in the early twentieth century, Rokeya Hossain faced multiple challenges from members of the Muslim community and members of Indian and British society. Despite facing this backlash, Rokeya Hossain successfully founded a school for girls and was part of a transnational movement that championed women’s rights. After discussing the contributions of Rokeya Hossain in Indian society, I will discuss the impact of her work as a Muslim woman who was a feminist, educator and social reformer. Finally, I will discuss what Rokeya Hossain’s writings have to offer the West and why her writings have been relatively absent from literary circles. From the perspective of a Muslim woman, I will also point out how Rokeya Hossain shatters the stereotypes of Muslim women being perceived as weak and veiled victims.