In Between Hijab and Stories: Exploring the Intersectionality in Children's Literature of Shaikha Alzeyara

This study explored the portrayal of Qatari girls in children's literature of Shaikha Alzeyara, a prominent Qatari author. It uses the concept of intersectionality and empowerment to acknowledge the interconnectedness of social identities like gender, disability, and religion. The research highlighted the significance of children's literature in shaping children's assumptions about societal roles. Currently, the available literature for consumption conforms to the idea of boys as heroines and putting girls into a box like sheltered pearls. The analysis focuses on Alzeyara's stories. Through intersectionality, the study examines how these stories depict Qatari girls and the influence of Arab culture. Using qualitative methods through content analysis of the stories and in-depth interviews with the author and key personnel involved, the findings revealed a complex portrayal of girls. While some stories reflect traditional Qatari values of family and patriarchal society, others present independent, resilient girls who challenge limitations. The author's background as a Qatari woman is acknowledged as contributing to a more complex representation of girls. Alzeyara's work offers a starting point for a more intersectional approach to Qatari children's literature. Furthermore, intersectionality and empowerment as a framework for analyzing children's literature and promoting more inclusive narratives for young learners could contribute to the lack of knowledge in Arab women’s studies.