Femme Forte: Uyo Book Club Celebrates Women at March 2026 IWD Reading Session

In the heart of Nigeria’s “Book Club City,” Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a literary celebration unfolded this March to honor International Women’s Day. The Uyo Book Club, Nigeria’s longest-running city book club since its inception in 2021, dedicated its March 2026 reading session to championing the strength, resilience, and rights of women. Appropriately titled Femme Forte—a French phrase meaning “strong woman” and expounded as “a woman of courage, intelligence, and fortitude”—the session spotlighted the layered roles of women, their countless successes, and the challenges they continue to face.

The venue, Shakespeare Hall at WatBridge Hotels and Suites, buzzed with activity despite hours of torrential rainfall earlier in the day. Members arrived early for the much-anticipated DEAR Moment—“Drop Everything And Read”—a signature segment where attendees select books from an expansive collection, read, and share their thoughts. The lively discussions set the stage for the highlight of the evening: the review of So Long A Letter, the award-winning novel by Senegalese author and women’s rights activist Mariama Bâ.

The book, a poignant exploration of widowhood, betrayal, polygamy, and gender-biased societal expectations, resonated deeply with the audience. Mrs. Esther B. Attih, a creative director, writer, and advocate for women’s rights, was the Book Reviewer of the Month. Drawing parallels between the novel’s themes and Nigerian society, she dissected the glass ceiling women face, the moral double standards they endure, and the systemic barriers limiting their opportunities.

Dr. Udeme Nana, the Founder of Uyo Book Club, responded to the review with a call for harsher penalties for gender-based violence, particularly rape, in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State. “We must stop trivializing rape or shielding perpetrators,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a safer society for women.

Adding a practical perspective, Barrister Obo Effanga, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom and a January 2026 Special Guest Reader, shared his experience in making workplaces more inclusive for women. He recounted initiating discussions with female staff at INEC, which led to actionable changes such as constructing office-attached toilets stocked with sanitary pads and toiletries. “It was a blind spot for me as a man until they spoke up,” he admitted, underscoring the importance of letting women advocate for their needs.

Dr. Martin Akpan, the club’s Orator, praised Mrs. Attih’s engaging review for its depth and relatability, while other members sparked lively debates. Banker-turned-writer Chukwuma Amadi questioned how one could balance being cultured and feminist in a society that often misinterprets feminism as combative. Similarly, Kingsley Mark Akpan, a web developer, lamented the negative press generated by extreme feminist voices in Nigerian social media, overshadowing the movement’s core message of equality and rights.

Among the new attendees was Prof. Victor Datonye Dapper, a renowned Human Physiology professor from the University of Port Harcourt, who traveled from Rivers State to experience Uyo Book Club’s acclaimed sessions. His presence underscored the club’s growing reputation as a hub of intellectual engagement and community building.

The Uyo Book Club’s monthly sessions, held every Saturday at 4:00 p.m., have become a melting pot of diverse demographics—from students to industry leaders—united by a shared love for books and ideas. With an active online presence, the club continues to inspire a culture of reading and intellectualism.

For more updates and inquiries, visit their Facebook page at https://facebook.com/uyobookclub or their website at [(link unavailable)]((link unavailable)).

By celebrating Femme Forte, the Uyo Book Club not only honored women but also amplified their voices, proving once again that literature is a powerful tool for advocacy and change.