An Answer to Spivak’s Can the Subaltern Speak? A Study of Marginalized Women’s Autobiographies

Abstract

This article discusses marginalized women’s resistance to patriarchal norms in a male-dominated Afghan society. This study analyses the literary modes of selected autobiographies—Fawzia Koofi’s The Favored Daughter, Sarina Sarwari’s Sokhan-i Del-i Yek Zan (Words from the Heart of a Woman) and Hadisa Osmani’s Pursuing My Dreams as an Afghan Woman—with Spivak’s essay ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’ In this article, Spivak’s idea of subaltern has been deconstructed and needs to be re-read and understood in the context of Afghan women’s autobiographies. In answer to Spivak, yes, the subaltern can speak to resist patriarchal voices, speak against women’s subjugated situation and talk about women’s emancipation. This can be demonstrated by examining Afghan women’s autobiographies. Afghan women’s autobiographies focus on women’s courage and emancipation to resist social victimization and verbal and physical violence. It further states that numerous contemporary Afghan women have highlighted women’s issues due to the absence of a strong feminist voice. Therefore, it demonstrates Afghan women’s gradual awakening, as well as their resolution to resist victimization, subjugation, oppression and violence in a patriarchal and culturally complex male-dominant society. Hence, the present study appraises Afghan women’s struggle to give them recognition and a contribution to the literature, giving a positive light to other women. These women are promoting awareness and giving a feminist message as a women’s strong voice is necessary for a progressive and gender-equality-based society. Afghan women’s writing testifies to finding an answer to Spivak’s question, ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’