Woman, Discourse, and Dissent: A Feminist Reading of Babilina Khositashvili's Work

Abstract

The early 20th century marks a transformative era in Georgian litera­ture, particularly for women writers who emerged not only as literary voices but also as agents of feminist protest. Babilina Khositashvili (1884–1973), a Georgian poet, translator, memoirist, and activist, stands out as a prominent figure whose work embodies the intersection of literature, gender politics, and social critique. This paper explores Khositashvili’s poetic legacy as a pio­neering expression of feminist consciousness within Georgian modernism. Drawing on her poetry, autobiographical writings, and publicistic texts, the study examines how Khositashvili constructs a nuanced portrayal of wo­men’s lived experiences, motherhood, labor, emotional isolation, and politi­cal marginalization, thereby shaping a uniquely Georgian feminist discourse.

Khositashvili’s work is characterized by its bold confrontation with patriarchal norms and social injustice. Her poetry often centers on female protagonists – particularly working mothers – whose struggles reflect the socioeconomic conditions of early 20th-century Georgian society. In poems like “The Mother Goes to Work,” the speaker is torn between maternal res­pon­sibility and the economic necessity of labor, expressing deep anxiety, psy­chological exhaustion, and emotional fragmentation. The internal con­flict reaches a climax when the mother character voices fears of harm to her unattended child, highlighting the impossible burdens women face within domestic and public spheres. Through emotionally raw and formally rest­rained verse, Khositashvili foregrounds the mental toll of caregiving under precarious economic conditions.

Her poem “To Women” deploys irony and satire to critique gender stereotypes and domestic servitude. The seemingly didactic tone—urging wo­men to “sit at home like hens” – reveals its subversive intent through ab­surd metaphors and caricatures of male privilege, exposing the exploitative dynamic at the heart of traditional family roles. Rather than upholding con­servative values, the poem mocks the societal expectations imposed upon women, turning patriarchal ideology against itself.

Khositashvili also envisions feminist transformation through political imagination. In her poem “New Year’s Wish,” she imagines herself as a law­ma­ker who proclaims women’s equality and challenges the societal tendency to reduce women to subordinate roles. The line “Let it become law: woman is equal” serves not only as poetic expression but as an urgent call for legis­lative and structural reform.

Outside of poetry, Khositashvili’s essays and memoirs document her intellectual development, participation in feminist movements, and reflec­tions on women’s historical subjugation. Her article “Feminism” articulates a non-antagonistic model of gender equality, promoting collaboration rather than separation between the sexes. Her memoirs provide valuable insights into the sociopolitical climate of her era and the personal sacrifices deman­ded of women who sought education and public engagement.

Ultimately, Babilina Khositashvili’s literary work transcends genre boundaries to serve as social document, psychological testimony, and femi­nist manifesto. By giving voice to women’s silent labor, emotional burden, and intellectual aspirations, her poetry challenges the invisibility of female experience and advocates for cultural, legal, and personal emancipation. Her legacy remains relevant in contemporary feminist discourse, illuminating the persistent structures of inequality while offering poetic resistance rooted in historical experience and creative integrity.