An Evening With Bernardine Evaristo

On Wednesday, 31st October, The Circle welcomed renowned writer and activist Bernardine Evaristo, in what was an inspiring evening dedicated to discussing women's rights, creativity, and activism. Evaristo, whose pioneering work has challenged entrenched power structures and elevated marginalised voices, spoke alongside Raakhi Shah, Lucy Siegle, and Sahdaish Pall, discussing gender rights, international advocacy, and social change.

Bernardine Evaristo: A Trailblazer in Literature and Activism

Bernardine Evaristo has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature and social justice. In 2019, she made history as the first Black woman and Black British author to win the Booker Prize for her novel Girl, Woman, Other. This acclaimed work, known for its compelling portrayal of interconnected Black female lives, has solidified Evaristo’s reputation as a literary force and advocate for inclusivity in British culture. With over 80 awards, honours, and nominations, Evaristo has been a staple on the UK Black Powerlist for the past four years, marking her influence well beyond literature.

At the event, Evaristo shared her journey and her ‘Do It Yourself’ ethos, which has shaped much of her creative work and activism. In Girl, Woman, Other, she humorously reflected that her decision to follow the lives of twelve characters (initially an even larger cast in early drafts) was motivated by an effort to “squeeze as many Black women into the body of British literature through one book as possible.” Her determination to give voice to the underrepresented began during her time in theatre, where she wrote and produced plays featuring Black women at a time when such stories were virtually absent on British stages. In 2008, Evaristo launched the Complete Works mentoring scheme for Black and Asian poets, which has significantly boosted the diversity in UK poetry. Such interventions speak to her history of not only opening doors for people of colour but, in many ways, building those doors herself.

“Creativity is a form of activism,” Evaristo reflected. “You cannot take on the whole world. Find your niche. Anger that leads to self-immolation is not productive. Your art form is your superpower.”

The State of Global Women’s Rights: A Grim Year

The evening highlighted the ongoing and urgent struggles for women’s rights globally. This past year has seen numerous heartbreaking cases illustrating the dangers women face worldwide, including high-profile incidents like that of Gisele Pelicot and Kenyan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, both victims of gender-based violence. In Afghanistan, the plight of women and LGBTI individuals has escalated into what some human rights advocates describe as “Gender Apartheid,” with systematic oppression now a horrifying reality. Meanwhile, women and girls caught in Sudan’s crisis are reportedly experiencing alarming levels of sexual violence.

Adding to these grim developments, organised funding for anti-gender rights movements is on the rise. A recent report by the think tank Whose Hands on Our Education revealed that between 2013 and 2017, an estimated $3.7 billion (£2.8 billion) was channelled into anti-gender equality organisations worldwide. A significant portion of this funding originates from US-based groups; between 2007 and 2020, more than $54 million was directed towards opposing LGBTQ+ rights and sex education across Africa alone.

The Circle’s Role in Gender Rights and Economic Empowerment

Despite the challenges, The Circle has significantly increased its impact, amplifying efforts to address gender-based violence and increase women’s economic empowerment. Through partnerships, The Circle has supported over 88,000 women and girls, providing a lifeline for many facing gender discrimination and inequality.

Evaristo’s message and The Circle’s work serve as powerful reminders that through creativity, advocacy, and community, real change is possible. “If it didn’t exist, I started it myself,” Evaristo said, reflecting on her own career. This spirit of resilience and innovation is essential as women’s rights continue to be challenged globally.