12.11.2024

Resisting Homogeneity: One Somali Woman's Personal Revolution
In this lecture, I will share my personal journey as a writer who spent my early years in Somalia before moving to the diaspora. Through the lens of my experiences, I will explore the profound impact of cultural homogeneity within Somalia. I will discuss how adherence to patriarchal norms and values has historically suppressed women, children, and those deemed "different." Drawing on over 20 years of conflict in Somalia, I will illustrate how a rigid interpretation of culture—reinforced through oral storytelling, poetry, and religion—has contributed to our societal struggles. My journey as a writer has allowed me to reflect on the dynamic nature of culture and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to foster resilience and promote peace. Through my narrative, I aim to highlight the power of storytelling in challenging oppressive norms and envisioning a more inclusive future.

More information:
de: https://www.kulturaustausch.de/ausgaben/ausgabe-ii-2022/eine-stimme-haben/
en: https://www.kulturaustausch.de/en/issues/issue-ii-2022/having-a-voice/

Lubi Barre, born in Paris, France, is a writer of poetry and short stories. She published in the anthology "My Old Man" at Cannongate Books, the German language collection "Here and There" at Punktum Verlag as well as in the anthology Kontinentaldrift- Das Schwarze Europa by Wunderhorn Verlag. She is  founder of the independent reading series Sprachlos  and FRAMED, and a member of the residency Writers Room. From 2017-2020 she was co-organizer and co-moderator of the reading series Hafenlesung as well as the 2020 and 2021 literary curator of the Fluctoplasma festival in Hamburg. She co-curated the first Black Writers Book Festival of Hamburg in 2024. She has received numerous grants for writing and curation and in addition teaches creative writing seminars at various universities.