Shagufta K. Iqbal is an award-winning poet, writer and TEDx speaker.

Her debut poetry collection Jam Is For Girls, Girls Get Jam (Burning Eye Books) was described by gal-dem as “heart-wrenching and relatable”, and praised by Nikesh Shukla as “a socio-political masterclass”. Her children’s book Bibi and Rumi (HarperCollins) is a warm, joyful story that celebrates wonder, connection and cultural heritage.

Shagufta’s writing has been featured in a wide range of anthologies, including Slam: You’re Gonna Wanna Hear This (Macmillan), Spin! (Otter-Barry Books), The Book of Bristol (Comma Press) and The Best Poetry Book in the World (Burning Eye Books). She is currently working on her second poetry collection, a debut novel and a children’s poetry collection with Troika Books.

Alongside her published work, Shagufta’s poetry and storytelling have been commissioned by leading organisations such as the V&A, Tate Lates, Southbank Centre, WOMAD Festival and CBBC. Her poetry film Borders, a powerful exploration of displacement and resilience, has received multiple international awards and screenings.

As an experienced speaker, facilitator and mentor, Shagufta runs talks, workshops and retreats that create space for reflection, creativity and empowerment. Whether working with school groups, universities, arts venues or individual writers, her approach is rooted in care, connection and a deep belief in the transformative power of words.

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  • Sometimes tender, sometimes angry, sometimes heartbreaking, Shagufta's poetry is a socio-political masterclass in its exploration of cities, culture, race, food and family.

    - Nikesh Shukla

    Novelist and Editor of The Good Immigrant 

  • Shagufta tells vivid stories with a fearlessness that is both compelling and contagious.

    - Vanessa Kisuule​

    City Poet Bristol

  • A stunning collection of poems that hold a torch up to the most fragile parts of a woman'e existence. Her considerate illumination of experience leaves you validated but aching - her narratives are important -, heart wrenching and relatable - the type of poetry you wish you had the courage to write.

    gal-dem magazine

  • Shagufta's poems explore the untold stories of women's lives. She offers a truth about women's experience and shines a light on ignored aspects of women's history. Her poetry is vivid, sensory, beautiful - often funny and often moving. She is a real talent and a voice that needs to be heard.

    - Sian Norris

    Novelist


  • A book of raging beauty, of political purpose and stories that tie us to our humanity. It’s the kind of book I love, resplendent with dark, uncompromising imagery, and metaphors. An impressive debut.

    - Joelle Taylor,

    Poet & performer