Batinikama College, Labasa teacher Parveena Nand is the first among peers to publish two books at once.

Mrs Nand wrote a novel, “IF…” and a book- “Petals: A Collection Of Emotions”, containing 30 poems.

The Language Head of Department (HOD) with the help from her family and University of South Pacific (USP) spent three years to complete the books.

The youngest of four siblings is the first teacher and writer in her family; she hopes to change the mindset of society through her books.

She said both books are about the global social issues affecting individuals and families.

“The novel is about how a woman is betrayed by her lover who refuses to perform the role of a father and reveals the struggles she faces to bring up the child while the society criticises her for being a single parent.”

She enlightens readers of the kind of social issues pushed under the carpet by the society forcing women and children to suffer in silence.

“The other book containing poems is also related to social issues such as child abuse, women’s right to live, climate change, struggle of a working mother and many more,” she said.

“Gender stereotypes in our society are real and women are easily blamed for loopholes in a relationship.”

Being inspired by her late father and husband, Michel Nand, a businessman, Mrs Nand aims to encourage readers to take a bold step.

“Let us not be ignorant and treat issues affecting women and children as a normal thing,” she said.

By May her books will be available online and also at book shops.

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj