Afghan Women Poets – Shikha Lamba and The Candyman’s Trumpet

Shikha S Lamba has curated an incredible poetry collection to raise the voices of Afghan women poets in creative partnership with Jack Caradoc’s literary magazine The Candyman’s Trumpet. The striking artwork is by Zuhra Nadem. The inspiring collection was published August 2026.

Shikha S. Lamba is a jewellery designer and poet living in Hong Kong.  She’s the co-editor of Coffee & Conversations. Her work has been published in journals globally, including The Hooghly Review, and featured on CNN. Her poems and photography have been nominated for Best of the Net and the Pushcart Prize.

@shikhaslamba (IG) @shikhaslambapoetry (IG) @shikhaslamba (FB) @candcmagazine @thecandmanstrumpet

A huge thanks to @sadiekaye and @mentalideas for sharing the August issue of The Candyman’s Trumpet, a Scotland based journal, edited by @JackCaradoc , which shines a spotlight on poetry by Afghan women and girls.

I’m so grateful for your encouragement and solidarity, Sadie. It… pic.twitter.com/EaZzqPH6L4— Shikha Sawhney (@ShikhaSLamba) August 11, 2026