In honour of the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we held our last event for the year 2016  on the 25th November, on the theme, ‘African Women in Literature and Film; Strength and Resilience’. The event was a combination of literary aesthetics and reflections on the challenges that women face and their significant contributions in the society. 

A cross  section of Participants

 It began with a selection of readings from the members of the audience on the theme of the event. Among the selections, we had a reading of Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’, prose by Ijeoma Umebinyuo, Moshood Folorunsho’s ‘My Kenyan Lady’ and a selection of original works by ‘Dele Kogbe. After the first set of readings, our keynote speaker, Dr. Nicole Devarenne of English Department, University of Dundee,  gave her presentation on the role of women in African literature and film. She explored a variety of literary and cinematic works from the prominent African writers and a filmmaker, looking at the key female characters featured in each of the works. Notable works included those of Chinua Achebe, Bessie Head, Sol Plaatje, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Amos Tutuola, Chimamanda Adichie and Ousmane Sembene.  The event was concluded by one further reading before the vote of thanks marking the end of the programme. 


Members of the convening team would like to extend thanks to all who attended and contributed to the event as they were crucial in making it a success. Our thanks also go to Dr. Nicole Deveranne for being our keynote speaker. 

We look forward to a more stimulating engagement in the year 2017. Have a prosperous new year!

By Rhiannon Dempsey.