Feminist Consciousness in the Poetry of Parveen Shakir: A Critical Study

Abstract

This study critically examines feminist consciousness in the poetry of Parveen Shakir, one of the most distinguished voices in modern Urdu literature. It explores how her poetic discourse challenges patriarchal structures by foregrounding women's identity, emotional autonomy, self-awareness, and social experiences. Employing a qualitative and analytical approach, the study investigates selected poems to demonstrate that Shakir redefines the traditional image of women in Urdu poetry by presenting them as conscious, independent, and intellectually vibrant individuals rather than passive subjects of male perception. Her poetry reflects themes of love, loneliness, identity, resistance, dignity, and emotional freedom within the socio-cultural context of Pakistani society. The research further highlights the aesthetic and ideological dimensions of her feminist expression, emphasizing that her poetic vision is characterized by subtle resistance, refined artistic expression, and profound psychological insight rather than overt political activism. The study concludes that Parveen Shakir significantly enriched Urdu feminist poetry by articulating women's inner experiences and contributing to the evolution of feminist literary discourse in Urdu.