How the Women Writer's Prize will Break New Ground

Spotlight on the women writer's prize : To address all the inherent inequalities we see around us no moment is soon enough and no effort too small. Deep in their hearts no one believes there is parity between genders. Even among women the platforms can be irregular, as there is a height difference at every level. This is what we see around us, this is the truth.

In an ideal world all voices should be heard and this prize - the Women Writer's Prize - is a small step towards adjusting the audio, so we hear even those who whisper among us.

Evolution on earth has traditionally translated into a stabilisation of set patterns that then must transcend in time and reform organically to keep up with the moral realities of the day. For every one of us to walk in step, hand in hand, there looms still many an uphill climb ahead. But all of humanity has to be unanimous in ridding itself of what hampers progress for all alike. It is not how we reach the finishing line, it is why we should not reach there alone.

Between men and women there is much necessity for level playing fields. An understanding of this urgency brings us to the next step: creating of opportunities that bridge the gap in a continuum. Ongoing changes dedicated to building an egalitarian world for us to live in. A society of conscience where everyone gets their due regardless of class, race and definitely gender.

India has seen a visible growth in Indian writing in English (IWE) in recent times where writers are receiving much acclaim and large readerships across the world. More and more translations from bhasha are finding their way into English, making fiction more muscular, more meaningful, more coherent and cohesive, coming as it does from all nooks of the country. IWE is thereby richer, deeper, dissolving synthetic borders, weaving the past and its heritage with the present in context and perspective. And the fact that so many of these translated writers are women further amplifies the reading experience. The story is no longer one-sided.

The team behind the prize is well aware of the task ahead, and remains committed to clarity on thought and structure around the prize. With writer Shashi Deshpande and journalist Shaili Chopra on board, the team aspires to a synchronicity of priorities on gender justice.

It is with much hope and many dreams that we announce this prize. For that little girl in the back of nowhere who has something to say.