Sadia Khatri

Sadia Khatri is a Karachi-based writer, photographer, and feminist. She serves as a journalist for various publications and holds a founding role in the feminist collective Girls at Dhabas.

Early life and education

Khatri attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, USA, where she completed her studies. Although she initially began as an Astronomy and Physics major, she later added Journalism and Media Studies to her academic pursuits. Her interest in art grew from her experiences within the Karachi art and culture scene. She frequently attended community art shows, literary lectures, and concerts alongside her sister, Fiza Khatri. Fiza also attended Mount Holyoke College.

Before moving to the United States, Khatri practiced photography as a hobby. During her college graduation period in the US, she created a blog titled "Humans of Pioneer Valley," which drew inspiration from the "Humans of New York" format. In 2011, she captured photographs of children living by roadsides in commercial areas of Karachi. These images were later featured in a Karachi exhibit. Each photograph included a direct quote from a street child to present their specific perspective on life.

Career

Khatri has established herself as a journalist through her work with Dawn and The Kathmandu Post. She also served as a reportage editor for Papercuts Magazine. Her journalistic contributions extend to The Friday Times, where she has written professionally. Beyond print media, she works as a film critic. This expertise led her to participate in the Critic's Academy at the Locarno Film Festival.

Her creative work includes acting in a music video for the feminist anthem by the all-girl band Garam Anday. She is also a co-founder of the feminist collective Girls at Dhabas. This group formed to address the frustrations of middle- and upper-class women who feel restricted to safe locations. Khatri helped organize the 2018 Aurat March, which is a prominent women's march.

Personal life

Khatri explores themes of gender and space through her writing. In her autobiographical essay "Fear and the City," she describes her liberation via travel. She uses this piece to narrate her struggle to reclaim public spaces in Karachi. The essay also details a recent hate assault she experienced.

Her activism is informed by her observations of private versus public safety. Khatri has noted that the violence she experienced within private spaces was greater than what she faced on the streets. She views the concept of safety as an argument used to police the sexuality and bodies of women.

Awards and recognition

The autobiographical essay "Fear and the City" earned her a special citation. This distinction was awarded through the Zeenat Haroon Rashid Writing Prize for Women. The recognition highlights her ability to connect personal struggle with broader social issues.