Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been honored as Harper’s Bazaar España’s “Woman of the Year” in Literature, bringing pride to her country and cementing her legacy as one of the world’s most influential contemporary writers.
The prestigious award, presented during the 2024 Bazaar Women of the Year ceremony in Spain, celebrates women who have overcome challenges with strength, talent, and resilience. Chimamanda, known for her groundbreaking works like Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, delivered a poignant acceptance speech underscoring the transformative power of storytelling.
“Through literature, we learn what people care about, what they love, what they respect, what threats they feel, what they regret, how egos are formed. Those things matter. Stories matter,” she said.
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Inmaculada Jiménez, the director of Harper’s Bazaar España, opened the event with a heartfelt tribute to women who have defied adversity.
“Women who never allowed their fears to run over on the way to dreams and who were very aware that the barriers they had to face were always external, never in their souls and in their hearts… Women who, in their firm endeavour to achieve what they sought to be, have managed to be what every good society needs,” Jiménez said.
The recognition of Chimamanda comes as she prepares for the release of her much-anticipated novel, Dream Count, set to debut in March 2025. Her influence extends beyond literature, inspiring countless individuals with her advocacy for gender equality and social justice.
Chimamanda’s accolade arrives at a time when Nigeria grapples with mixed global headlines. Just hours before her honor, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was named third on a list of the world’s most corrupt leaders.
However, Chimamanda’s achievement serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential emanating from Nigeria, offering hope and pride to a nation striving for progress.
The Harper’s Bazaar España award is part of a tradition that recognizes exceptional women who inspire society, and Chimamanda Adichie’s inclusion reinforces her position as a literary icon and a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity.
