Djaïli Amadou Amal is a Cameroonian writer and feminist activist born in 1975 in Maroua. Her work, imbued with her lived experiences and commitment, explores the complex social realities of the Sahel, particularly the condition of women.
Early Life and Forced Marriage
Born into a Cameroonian father and Egyptian mother, Djaïli Amadou Amal experienced gender injustice from a young age. Married off at 17, she endured five years of marriage before managing to break free from her husband’s control. This experience left a profound mark on her and greatly influenced her writing.
Literary Career and Feminist Engagement
Determined to break the silence and denounce the injustices suffered by women, Djaïli Amadou Amal turned to writing. Her first novel, “Walaande: l’art de partager un mari” (The Art of Sharing a Husband), published in 2010, tackles the theme of polygamy and the condition of co-wives. The success of this novel launched her literary career and brought her international recognition.
Her second novel, “Mistiriijo: la mangeuse d’âmes” (The Soul Eater), published in 2013, explores the themes of female genital mutilation and child marriage. A sensitive and taboo subject that she treats with strength and conviction, giving voice to women victims of these cruel practices.
In 2017, Djaïli Amadou Amal published “Munyal: les larmes de la patience” (The Tears of Patience), a poignant novel that tells the story of three women facing different trials and injustices. This novel, reworked and reissued under the title “Les Impatientes” (The Impatient) in 2020, earned her the prestigious Prix Goncourt des lycéens (High School Students’ Goncourt Prize).
Tireless Activist
Beyond her literary work, Djaïli Amadou Amal is a committed feminist activist. She regularly speaks out on issues related to women’s rights, girls’ education, and the fight against violence against women. She is also the founder of the association “Femmes du Sahel”, which works for the empowerment of women and the promotion of gender equality in the region.
Engaged and Impactful Work
Djaïli Amadou Amal’s writing is characterized by its strength, sincerity, and commitment. She does not hesitate to tackle sensitive and taboo subjects, breaking silences and giving voice to marginalized and oppressed women. Her work, deeply rooted in the realities of the Sahel, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and injustices faced by women in this region of the world.
Awards and Honors
- Prix Goncourt des lycéens 2020 for “Les Impatientes”
- Prix Choix Goncourt de l’Orient 2020 for “Les Impatientes”
- Prix Choix Goncourt de la Serbie 2020 for “Les Impatientes”
- Prix Choix Goncourt de la République tchèque 2020 for “Les Impatientes”
- Prix Choix Goncourt de l’Algérie 2020 for “Les Impatientes”
Works
- Walaande: l’art de partager un mari (2010)
- Mistiriijo: la mangeuse d’âmes (2013)
- Munyal: les larmes de la patience (2017)
- Les Impatientes (2020)
- Cœur du Sahel (2022)