FEATURING Khydija Wakil, a poet, writer, storyteller, urban planner, and entrepreneur whose work explores identity, migration, belonging, women’s experiences, and social change in living settings. Khydija is a published author who has performed at universities, conferences, and literary festivals throughout Pakistan. Since moving to Canberra in 2026, she has remained actively engaged in the literary and cultural community through CMS 91.1 Urdu programs, where her reflections continue to reach diverse audiences. She also took part in the open mic at our multilingual poetry night at Smith’s in August 2026.

Khydija will share more of her poems during her feature spot. She writes in both Urdu and English, using poetry and spoken word to build inclusive neighbourhoods, sustainable communities, bridge cultures, celebrate diverse voices, and inspire meaningful conversations across communities.

OPEN MIC spots available. You will have up to 4 minutes. All styles of poetry welcome - but performance must include a language or languages other than English.

EMAIL mothertonguemic@gmail.com for more information or to book a spot in the open mic.