Mariama Bâ

Mariama Bâ

Mariama Bâ was a fierce feminist living in Senegal during this time.

Although these ideas are often pitted against each other, Mariama Bâ proved that one didn’t have to choose between their Muslim faith and their feminist ideals. Born in Dakar on April 17, 1929, Mariama Bâ was proud to be Senegalese. Her mother died at age 11 and Mariama was forced to live with her traditional grandparents who didn’t believe in girls' education. However, she was able to convince her father to allow her an education… and that was the catalyst for great things to come with Mariama. During her lifetime, she published two books, Une si longue lettre in 1980 and Un Chante Eclarte in 1981. Additionally, she won the first Noma Award for Publishing. Mariama Bâ is inspirational for many reasons. She was able to turn family tragedy into triumph, and inspire many women in Senegal who hadn’t yet been exposed to such powerful role models. She was a modern Muslim Woman and a revolutionary ahead of her time.

Keona Dordor

Nouvelles Editions Africaines

1979

Abby Moschel
Lila Elrod

English and French

photo

Francophone Africa, Senegal