SLE Salon: Ben Baer, Spider-Mother, by Rokeya Hossain

Spider-Mother features the writings of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneering Indian Muslim feminist who became a prominent writer, activist, and educator despite her lack of formal education. Her essays, newly translated by Ben Baer, reflect on her experiences with gender oppression, segregation, and more. Despite these challenges, Spider-Mother (Warbler Press, 2024) offers hope as Hossain’s activism demands dismantling gender supremacy to create a world where all people can be free.
Ben Baer is an associate professor of comparative literature and director of Princeton’s Program in South Asian Studies. His research focuses on the diversity of literary and political figurations and concepts of Indigeneity, primarily in South Asia and the Americas. He translated The Tale of Hansuli Turn and is the author of Indigenous Vanguards.
The SLE Salons are a great way to explore a wide range of topics in an engaging environment. Join us for lively conversations with writers, artists, and thinkers as they share their perspectives and insights. Hosted at Florence Moore Hall, the Salons are open to the Stanford community and the public – come curious and ready to engage!