“Women united by… the power of words.”
Ten+ years of creativity and collaboration
These words, written by poet, visual artist and women’s advocate Elham Nasser Al-Zabeedy are an elegant summary of over ten years of collaborative work by Her Story Is, a collective of independent women artists and writers, based in Iraq and the US. The work-books, plays and poems are dedicated to the principle of building bridges between two countries separated by war, geography and more. Her Story Is celebrates the common humanity of women who are committed to creating peaceful alternatives to war and militarism.
In addition to the creative and collaborative work, Her Story Is has sponsored presentations and exhibitions, working with partner organizations in San Francisco (Golden Thread Productions), Minneapolis (Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project) as well as the Boston area (Center for Arabic Culture and Fort Point Theatre Channel).
Recently, Her Story Is has engaged in its most ambitious initiative, writing and publishing poetry books. May 2025 saw the publication of Where Do You Live? by Hanaa Ahmed Jabr and Jennifer Jean, published by Arrowsmith Press. That poetic dialogue, is now followed by a second poetry book, Other Paths for Sharazad: a bilingual anthology of contemporary poetry by Arab women, recently issued by Tupelo Press. Both books can be ordered directly from the publisher.
Book Launch
On May 9, Her Story Is, with its sponsoring partners Center for Arabic Culture and Fort Point Theatre Channel, will host a book launch/celebration of Other Paths for Sharazad, 2-4 pm in the Commonwealth Salon, Boston Public Library (Copley Branch). There will be readings, book sales and signings. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must register.
Register for the May 9 book launch here.
By Amy Merrill
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Amy Merrill is a Her Story Is Co-Founder and Featured Artist, and a MAPA member.
