This prestigious accolade, funded by Bukhman Philanthropies, celebrates Bernardine’s body of work, her transformative impact on literature and her unwavering dedication to uplifting under-represented voices across the cultural landscape.
The Women’s Prize Trust – the UK charity which creates equitable opportunities for women in the world of books – today announces Bernardine Evaristo as the recipient of the Women’s Prize Outstanding Contribution Award, a one-off literary honour marking the 30 th anniversary year of the Women’s Prize for Fiction. This prestigious accolade, funded by Bukhman Philanthropies, celebrates Bernardine’s body of work, her transformative impact on literature and her unwavering dedication to uplifting under-represented voices across the cultural landscape. Bernardine Evaristo is an internationally acclaimed author and advocate for inclusivity in the arts. She has published works across many different genres of writing, receiving over 90 awards, nominations, fellowships and honours to date. In addition to her literary and professional success, she has spearheaded innumerable initiatives to address inequities in the creative industries, inspiring future generations of writers and creatives to challenge the status quo and celebrate diversity.
As the recipient of the Women’s Prize Outstanding Contribution Award, Evaristo will receive £100,000 prize money and a special sculpture named ‘Thoughtful’ by Caroline Russell MRSS, both of which will be presented on 12 June at the Women’s Prize Trust’s summer party in London, alongside the winners of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. Evaristo will also be the guest of honour at a dinner at the Doyle Collection’s Bloomsbury Hotel hosted by Harper’s Bazaar. Commenting on the award, Bernardine Evaristo said: ‘I am completely overwhelmed and overjoyed to receive this unique award. I feel such deep gratitude towards the Women's Prize for honouring me in this way. Over the last three decades, I have witnessed with great admiration and respect how the Women’s Prize for Fiction has so bravely and brilliantly championed and developed women's writing, always from an inclusive stance. The financial reward comes as an unexpected blessing in my life, and given the mission of the Women’s Prize Trust, it seems fitting that I spend this substantial sum supporting other women writers; more details on this will be forthcoming.’