Shah Taj Khan/Pune

Jamila Nishat of Hyderabad is a poet who speaks of rebellion and also leads a social welfare organization, Shaheen, to make the changes she desires to see in society. This woman has dedicated her life to the cause of women’s rights as she believes that "every woman should live with courage, have confidence in herself, and never feel helpless."

According to her, education is the key to women’s independence. Women must become self-reliant through learning, raise their voices against injustice and oppression, and strengthen themselves economically, mentally, and emotionally so that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with men.

In a conversation with Awaz-The Voice, Jamila Nishat said that when she established the Shaheen Women’s Resource and Welfare Association, the social mindset was very different.

At that time, girls were generally encouraged to study only up to the tenth grade, while boys were expected to become doctors or engineers.

Today, she notes with satisfaction, the situation has improved considerably. Girls are pursuing higher education and becoming financially independent.

The organization founded by Jamila Nishat, Shaheen, works in the Sultan Shahi area of Hyderabad’s Old City and focuses on helping marginalised women, especially Muslim, overcome social and economic challenges.

Jamila believes that education is the first step toward empowerment and social justice. Shaheen engaged with school drop outs to pursue their education through open schooling programs.

Most of the girls who have left school midway do it because of poverty and social pressures.Shaheen makes sure these girls are motivated to complete their education.

Alongside education, Shaheen provides vocational training to women. Jamila emphasises that women must create their own futures rather than remain dependent on others, especially men.

According to her, when a girl becomes educated and financially capable, she not only transforms her own life but also improves the well-being of her entire family.

The key objective of Shaheen is to provide legal and social support to women facing domestic violence and sexual harassment.

Established in 2002, the organization has actively campaigned against contract marriages and played a vital role in preventing child marriages. Through its initiatives, thousands of women have received legal assistance and economic support.

Jamila explained that Shaheen runs the “Sakhi” Program, specifically designed to provide immediate assistance to women affected by violence.

The Sakhi One Stop Center offers a comprehensive range of services under one roof for women facing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

These services include medical assistance, legal counseling, psychological support, police assistance, and temporary shelter in emergencies.

According to Jamila, the purpose of the Sakhi Program is to ensure that no woman feels alone because of fear, stigma, or social barriers.

Born in Hyderabad in 1955, Jamila Nishat earned a Master’s degree in English Literature and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theatre Arts from Osmania University.

She is admired in literary circles for her poetry, which explores women’s experiences, emotions, and the injustices they face.

Her work is characterized by its fearless expression of women’s identities and struggles. More than poetry, her writing serves as a protest against social stagnation and inequality.

Her verses reflect the sweetness of Dakhni Urdu and the cultural richness of Hyderabad. Combining tradition with modernity, her poetry speaks softly yet leaves a profound impact. Through concise and powerful poems, she portrays social pain with artistic sensitivity.

Among her acclaimed published works are:

• Lava (2000)
• Inkishaf (2000)
• Lamhe Ki Aankh (2002)
• Lams Ki Saugat (2006)
• Butterfly Caresses (2015)

Her upcoming book, Dahakte Angaare (Burning Embers), was released earlier this yuear.

Jamila Nishat’s literary and social contributions have earned her numerous honors:

• Makhdoom Award (1972) from the Andhra Pradesh Urdu Academy for her early literary achievements.
• Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury Award (1990) for her outstanding creative and literary work.
• Laadli Award (2012) for highlighting gender issues and women’s concerns through literature and media.
• Martha Farrell Award (2021) in recognition of her efforts toward gender equality and women’s rights through Shaheen.
• A Special Award from the Government of Telangana (2019), along with several other local and national honors recognizing her social impact.

Jamila Nishat is not merely a poet who gave women a voice through her writings; she is also a grassroots activist who has transformed thousands of lives. Through her poetry, she challenged outdated social traditions. Through her social work, she demonstrated that determination and commitment can become a beacon of hope for marginalized communities.

While she is encouraged by the growing educational achievements of girls today, she remains concerned about the rise in domestic violence cases. She notes that the Sakhi Center now receives at least three cases of abuse every day, significantly increasing its workload.

“For me, there is no peace until justice reaches the oppressed,” she says.

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With both her pen and her actions, Jamila Nishat continues her mission. Her journey remains a powerful example of how literature and activism can come together to create meaningful social change.