Scholastique Mukasonga, author of Our Lady of the Nile, Cockroaches, The Barefoot Woman and Igifu, was awarded the prestigious Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Women’s Freedom for 2021.

The prize, which has been awarded since 2008, was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986). It honors individuals and associations who, in the spirit of Simone de Beauvoir, fight to defend women’s rights wherever they are comprised.

Born in Rwanda, Scholastique Mukasonga makes history as the first African woman to be honored with the human rights prize. Please join us in celebrating her incredible accomplishment.

Read more about her historic win here and here.