Edith Ochieng is a Nairobi-based writing fellow at African Liberty and a literary journalist at Africa in Dialogue. She is also a creative writer, with work published in The Lazy Women, Brittle Paper, Jalada, Critical Read, Urban Ivy, and Jellyfish Review. Her $1500 grant is funding an illustrated print and digital book about women who shaped and continue to shape Africa.

“In many African countries, women’s achievements are still downplayed or attributed to men. I’m afraid that there will be nowhere for girls to read about the brave female warriors, leaders and formidable women,” she said. 

The book is also a mirror. "When this illustrated book comes out, all women of African descent will be able to connect with it. They will see in themselves women past and current in different sectors like the arts, academia, religion, leaders, heroes and warriors, exceptional women who have against all odds thrived and made an impact in Africa. "

Ochieng added: "Having this grant means that I can now ‘resurrect’ the women of past generations who made an impact in the African society and also curate women of this generation who still strive for a better Africa for its daughters."

The theme of gender empowerment continues into the production team for the book. She's working with an all-women team of writers and illustrators.

"I have had a fear that when our little girls grow up, there will be no one to tell them or there will be nowhere for them to read about the brave female warriors like the One-eyed queen of Sudan, Amanirenas, or the fierce warrior Yaa Asantewaa, or leaders like Joyce Banda, or formidable women in religion like Teresa Okure, or Amba Oduyoye, or great singers like Angelique Kidjo."