In a celebration of literary talent and a commitment to fostering a conducive environment for writers, four accomplished female authors have gathered at the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Nigeria, for the February/March 2024 edition.
The quartet comprises Hembadoon Babatunde from Kenya, Abundance Amamchukwu and Professor Mbaiver Nyitse from Nigeria, and Rebecca Abafum from Ghana. With diverse backgrounds and experiences, these writers bring a rich combination of perspectives to the residency.
Apart from working on their individual writing projects during the four-week stay, the authors have also embraced a role as mentors to secondary school students in Iseyin. This dual commitment reflects the residency’s ethos of not only providing a haven for writers but also contributing to the local community.
Building on the success of the January 2024 cohort, which engaged with students at AMAO Secondary School in Iseyin, the current group is set to inspire and guide young minds through the transformative power of literature. That cohort had an all-male team, comprising Dacosta Boakye (Ghana), Abdulrahman Mohammed Abu-Yaman, Blessed Mudiaga Adjekpagbon and Abdbasit Adeyemi (Nigeria).
Established in 2010, the Ebedi International Writers Residency has welcomed a total of 250 writers from 12 African countries. It stands as a testament to the commitment to nurturing and supporting the African literary landscape.
The sponsorship for this particular cohort comes from the Above Whispers Foundation, led by the distinguished feminist thinker, gender specialist, policy advocate, and author, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi. Erelu Fayemi, a longtime friend of the Ebedi Residency, has been instrumental in supporting female writers in various residencies since 2023.
Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, known for her influential works including Speaking Above a Whisper (2013) and Loud Whispers (2017), expressed her delight in collaborating with the Ebedi Residency. This collaboration not only furthers the cause of women in literature but aligns seamlessly with the upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8.
International Women’s Day serves as a global platform to address crucial issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the prevention of violence and abuse against women. The Ebedi International Writers Residency’s dedication to hosting female writers during this period adds a meaningful dimension to the celebration, reinforcing the significance of women’s voices in the literary realm.
As these talented writers embark on their creative journey, the Ebedi International Writers Residency continues to be a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of literature.
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