Dear friends, I am thrilled to share about a creative partnership with the Scotland-based magazine, The Candyman’s Trumpet, curated by the amazing @JackCaradoc . This August, the magazine will shine a spotlight on poetry by Afghan women, with an entire section dedicated to their voices. I am honoured to serve as guest editor and curator for this special feature. August 2026 marks the six-year anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Since their return to power, their regime has issued approximately 140 edicts, decrees or rules that restrict the freedoms and rights of women and girls, including severe restrictions on creative expressions such as poetry and arts. For centuries, poetry has been both a deep-rooted tradition and a courageous act of resistance for Afghan women. Through this spotlight, we stand in solidarity and preserve the voices that are being silenced and repressed. With this spotlight, we bear witness to the daily realities of women and girls in Afghanistan today, and we say: keep reciting, keep writing. We are here, listening and reading. The submission call is open to Afghan women in Afghanistan and in the diaspora. Deadline - July 5th Please share widely within your writing communities. Please share @KateClanchy1 @faribanawa @minasharif @heatherbarr1 @NadiaHashimi @Fawziakoofi77 @Mariamistan @arianadelawari @NilofarMoradi2 @ZahraYusufi 🙏🏼 Many thanks.