House of Ayaat opens a new chapter for women writers
A new women-led literary movement has been launched in Morningside for women to share their stories through meaningful conversation and writing.
A NEW women’s literary movement aimed at empowering female writers, poets and storytellers has been launched in Berea ahead of Women’s Day.
The inaugural House of Ayaat Table of Conversations was held at Churchill House, near Windermere Road in Berea, ahead of Women’s Day on August 9. Founded by Dear Waheed author Farhana Yunnus, the women-centred literary movement aims to create a platform for writers, authors and poets to share their stories and inspire one another.
“In an age dominated by screens and digital noise, House of Ayaat’s Table of Conversations offered something refreshingly simple yet profoundly meaningful: real conversations, eye contact, shared stories, and the healing that comes from being fully present. The initiative is rooted in the belief that listening without judgement and speaking without fear can lighten the heart and strengthen community,” the organisers said.
The gathering attracted women from a wide range of backgrounds, including three published authors, a widow who recently left Türkiye following the death of her husband and an 80-year-old woman from Cape Town.
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Seasoned journalist, author and media strategist Marlan Padayachee also attended the event, sharing insights from his decades-long career in both mainstream and community media.
“Marlan Padayachee’s reflections, decades of life experience and guidance through South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy added depth to the dialogue, discourse and debate,” said Yunnus.
Yunnus, a single mother, said the inaugural gathering marked the beginning of a larger movement. “House of Ayaat is more than a literary platform; it is a movement to ensure women’s voices, across generations, are heard, honoured and preserved,” she said.
She added that the inaugural Table of Conversations was only the beginning, with more gatherings planned to continue fostering connection, creativity and storytelling among women.
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