★ Monthly Writing Competition

Feminist Writing Competition

Direct financial awards for independent feminist writing and research in South Asia. Zero entry fees.

Current Theme — August 2026

The Open File: Indian Women’s Lives in Your Own Words

No narrow brief this month. Write about anything from your life or the women around you in India — family, college, work, money, love, health, safety, faith, or the things that don’t have a category yet. Personal stories, field notes, arguments, even observations from the bus. If it’s true and it happened here, it qualifies. Easy to enter, impossible to miscategorize.

Grand Prize: ₹25,000 First Prize + Feature Publication + Editorial Review
Deadline: August 31, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)

Submit Essay to Enter

Rules & Eligibility

  • Every published article on The Feminist Files automatically enters this competition — no forms, no separate submission.
  • Any topic, any angle: personal essays, family stories, workplace observations, field notes, and arguments are all welcome.
  • Original, unpublished writing in English or Hindi. 800 to 2,500 words.
  • Publish with your name or strictly Anonymous — your choice.
  • An independent editorial board selects the winners.