RSL presents: The Pioneer Prize

Join us for the launch of the RSL Pioneer Prize, a new initiative which will spotlight and celebrate writers who have been trailblazers in their field.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by earlier generations of women writers, each year a woman writer over 60 who has shaped our literary landscape will be honoured. For its inaugural year the prize will honour Maureen Duffy, born in 1933 – poet, playwright, novelist, non-fiction writer and activist.

Throughout her career, Duffy has been consistently groundbreaking. She has brought to light previously unspoken stories; articulated the unheard voices of women and working class protagonists; created a Humanist Mass; and reaffirmed the legacy of Aphra Behn among countless other achievements. She has been a phenomenal advocate for author rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and at the forefront of making changes which are still felt today.

RSL President Bernardine Evaristo will be joined by special guests as we discuss Duffy's impact and legacy, and the power of amplifying older women writers’ voices.

The RSL Pioneer Prize has been established thanks to the generosity of Evaristo, who has donated the cash prize of £100k from her Women's Prize Outstanding Contribution Award to fund it. The Prize, which will run for ten years from 2025, will spotlight ten living women writers over the age of 60, with each receiving £10,000.

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