Celebrating the female gaze

When the Hong Kong International Literary Festival kicks off next week, the spotlight will shine gloriously on women writers of diverse backgrounds and persuasions. Amy Mullins spoke to some of them.

As in previous years, the 2024 Hong Kong International Literary Festival has gathered established and emerging writers of fiction, nonfiction and poetry for a week of talks, readings, discussions and workshops. Whether it's tips for getting published or getting to meet one's favorite author, the HKILF has something for everyone who is interested in books. And since the festival wraps just two days after International Women's Day on March 8, a spotlight on women's writing seems most germane to a celebration of the written word.

At a time when women's rights and freedoms are under threat around the globe, many still question the relevance of IWD. However, listening to other voices is always relevant. Hong Kong climate-fiction author Jan Lee, featured in HKILF 2024, puts it succinctly when asked how she feels about the woman-writer label: "Are male writers asked about 'writing as a man'?"

The answer, of course, is no.