Djaïli Amadou Amal is one of the most important voices in contemporary African literature. In her multi-award-winning novels, she deals forcefully with the situation of women in the Sahel region and addresses social challenges such as early and forced marriages, patriarchal structures and forms of violence and oppression. "It is a great opportunity to meet an internationally renowned writer here in Wuppertal, who is known as the 'voice of the voiceless' and is highly committed to women's rights," says event organiser and moderator Marie Cravageot-Mess from the University of Wuppertal.

This commitment is not only reflected in her literary work, but also characterises her social work: Djaïli Amadou Amal has been actively committed to the rights of women and girls for many years. In 2012, she founded the organisation "Femmes du Sahel", which campaigns for the education and social participation of young women. She was awarded the French Order of the Legion of Honour in 2025 for her commitment.

The reading offers the opportunity to meet the author in person, learn more about her work and engage in dialogue with her. The event is being organised in cooperation with the Department of Romance Studies at the University of Wuppertal as part of the "Rencontres Littéraires" literary encounters.