International media have reported that Somaye Ramesh, a poet, writer, and former member of the Herat Provincial Council, has won Italy’s international literary award, the “Laudomia Bonanni” Prize.
Ms. Ramesh announced today (Saturday, Nov. 22) that she received the International Poetry Award at the 24th edition of this literary event.
According to the report, this prize is among the most prestigious literary awards in Italy and is presented annually with the participation of national and international writers and researchers.
After receiving the international poetry award, Somaye Ramesh stated: “This honor is not only for me; it is an honor for the women of Afghanistan who have challenged the system of oppression.”
She said that the prize was awarded to her for the publication of her book titled “The Word in Exile” and her “civil” activism.
She further emphasized that in Afghanistan, even writing is considered a crime for women, yet they continue to fight alone against oppression and gender apartheid.
It is worth noting that in another ceremony organized by Italy’s Ministry of Justice as part of the National Literary Poetry Prize, Somaye Ramesh’s literary contributions were also recognized.
The Laudomia Bonanni Literary Prize is one of Italy’s most significant literary awards, held every year with the participation of national and international writers and researchers.
Somaye Ramesh wins this international poetry award at a time when the interim government in Afghanistan has banned romantic poetry and the depiction of boys and girls in poems, warning that violators will be punished.
Since taking control of Afghanistan, the current government has deprived women and girls of education. Most recently, it closed the doors of medical institutes to women and girls, even though the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel.
This action has caused millions of female students to be excluded from education.
In addition, women have been prohibited from going to gyms, restaurants, public bathhouses, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both national and international NGOs and even UN offices in Afghanistan.
