Fahmida Riaz is a noted Pakistani feminist and a published poet in Urdu. She is also the author of a highly acclaimed novella, Godavari. Her most recent work is a volume of short stories, Khat-e Marmuz. She is the director of WADA (Women and Development Association), an NGO for the development of women's education and awareness. She has given lectures and poetry readings around the world, including in Kazakhstan, China, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, U.S.A., and Canada.

Photograph: M.U. Memon.