Dr Siham Al-Arishi reveals the portrayal of women at SIBF 2025

November 10, 2025 / 4:08 PM

Sharjah24: At the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), academic and researcher Dr Siham Al-Arishi discussed the vital role of literary translation in shaping the perception of women across cultures. Speaking at a seminar titled “Middle Eastern Women in Translated Novels”, moderated by Abdulaziz Al-Hammi, she examined how Arab women are depicted in translated works, balancing reality, imagination, and literary conventions.

Cultural diversity and individual experience

Dr Al-Arishi emphasised that representations of women in literature should reflect cultural diversity and individual uniqueness. “It is not possible to generalise women’s experiences, even within a single region or country,” she noted, highlighting differences shaped by geography, education, tradition, and social environment. “A Lebanese woman’s experience differs from that of a Gulf or Egyptian woman, and urban and rural contexts also create different perspectives.”

Literature as a bridge

She emphasised that literature can either expand understanding or reinforce simplified perceptions. “The literary image of Arab women has evolved over time and through translation, but it must always be examined within its authentic cultural and civilisational context,” Dr Al-Arishi explained.

Evolution of Arabic literature in translation

Tracing developments since the 1970s, Dr Al-Arishi observed that translations of writers such as Naguib Mahfouz, Tayeb Salih, and Ghassan Kanafani introduced Arab voices to the international stage. By the 1980s and 1990s, works by Arab women writers garnered greater attention, enriching the global literary scene with diverse narratives and perspectives.

Translation as cultural dialogue

Dr Al-Arishi observed that translation involves not only language but also cultural exchange, reflecting both authorial and reader sensitivities. She noted that different interpretive lenses can sometimes recontextualise texts, highlighting examples of Arabic novels whose presentation was altered for international audiences, emphasising the need to preserve artistic intent and cultural integrity.

Contemporary interest and women’s voices

In recent decades, global interest in Arabic fiction has continued to grow, with works from Iraq, the Gulf, and North Africa reaching new audiences. Dr Al-Arishi emphasised that the diversity of women’s voices today reflects social, educational, and professional progress, especially in the Gulf, where women hold prominent roles across cultural, academic, and governmental sectors.

Fostering mutual understanding

Dr Al-Arishi concluded that the ongoing exchange between Arabic and world literature provides an opportunity to promote mutual understanding, enhance respect for cultural uniqueness, and celebrate the richness and diversity of women’s stories across societies.