The launch was done at the iconic home of Zimbabwe art, the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare.

The book is a collaborative effort between the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran and the Women Writers Support Network Africa meant to entrench cultural cooperation and exchange through writing.

Prior to the compilation of the short stories and poems into a book, the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran in partnership with the Women Writers Support Network Africa ran a writing competition that attracted about 150 entries. An adjudication process was then undertaken by a team of literary gurus, who then came up with a streamlined shortlist of about 20 short stories and poems. It was from those Twenty entries that Nine entries were selected for publication in the book. All the winners were presented with certificates while those with short stories that made it into the book were also presented with monetary prizes.

Speaking at the official launch of the book project, the Guest of Honour, H.E the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr Abbass Navazani, said the book launch serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of women throughout history.

He said the book project provides for an opportunity for creative exchange and collaboration, allowing everyone to have a glimpse of the stories of women who have faced adversity, overcome challenges, and inspired future generations.

The Ambassador said that despite the biased portrayal of Iranian women in Western media, the reality is different. Iranian women have contributed greatly to all aspects of life whilst maintaining their religious values and modesty.

Mr Navazani expressed deep sadness on the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian women by Israel. He noted: “However, in today’s world, we are witnessing horrific atrocities against women and children. The Israeli regime has killed over 42,000 people, 70% of whom are women and children. Who is responsible for these killings? Why do some governments remain silent on this horrific situation? They claim to be defenders of human rights, women’s rights, and children's rights, yet their double standards towards independent governments are clear.”

Speaking at the same occasion, the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran, Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar said the event was a testament to the power of shared experiences and the enduring spirit of women, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward fostering global understanding and appreciation.

The Cultural Counsellor said the women of Iran and Zimbabwe, through their artistic expressions, literary works, and personal narratives, have impacted and enriched the readers of their short stories and poems through their unique perspectives on various issues.

Giving some background snippets of the event, Mr Bakhtiyar said this cultural exchange initiative included a writing competition that focused primarily on the triumphant stories of the African and Iranian women, as viewed through the women’s cultural customs and the narratives, that also depict the realities faced by the Palestinian women.

Mr Bakhtiyar noted that by launching the book, the main goal is to document this phenomenal achievement through the compilation of dialogues between people of different cultures, with the intention benefitting the present and future generations.

He said is through the book launch that the Cultural Center of the Embassy of Iran hopes to raise awareness about women's empowerment through their dynamic cultures as well as to share their narratives and perspectives on gender, culture, and socio - economic development.

This initiative promotes cultural exchange and protection whilst appreciating the richness of both cultures.

The Coordinator of the Women Writers Network Africa, Mr Thabani Mlilo said the book project was meant to bring Zimbabwe and Iran together through the literary writings.

He said the joint publication of the book is one way of engaging in a fruitful cultural exchange programme.

The book launch, which was oversubscribed, was graced by the visiting team of visiting Iranian ladies namely, Dr Madam Mariam Sajadi, the representative for women in the Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation of Iran (ICRO) Dr Zahra Sadat Mirhashemi, the Dean in the Faculty of Theology at Alzahra university in Iran, and Madam Pavaneh Amirian, the Founder and Director of Panian Sewing Design and Handicrafts School. 

In attendance were also members of the Women Writers Support Network Africa, poets and literature enthusiasts, musicians, as well as school learners who are students of literature.

One Musician, Pax Gomo, did two songs, one on the Islamic Republic of Iran and the other one on the suffering women of Palestine.

Sheikh Halid Mwale, the resident Imam at Ale Muhammad Mosque in Harare, who spoke on his experiences of Iran during his stay in the country as a student, described Iranian people as the most friendly and hospitable people in the world.