Edak Willie Talks On The Phenomenal Woman At October Book Reading

On the first Sunday of every month, an excited audience gathers on Zoom for the Literary Renaissance Foundation’s Monthly Book Reading. This month’s edition of the programme was held on Sunday, 6 October 2024, anchored by the Executive Director of the foundation, Babatunde Oladele.

Shortly after 5 p.m., Oladele welcomed every participant to the event and briefly explained its purpose.

The idea of a monthly book reading session, he said,  was conceived to promote mass literacy and reading culture – in line with the UN’s SDG 4 – and also to showcase the work of different authors, allowing them to read out portions of their work to the audience, who criticise the work constructively and offer suggestions on how the piece can be improved upon.

It is an avenue for literary knowledge. But it’s also an excellent way to spend a quiet Sunday evening. As is always the case in all editions of the programme, the session drew participants from different walks of life and different countries across the globe.

After the opening remarks, Oladele allowed every participant to introduce themselves, their location, and their career. Then, the author of the day Edak Willie, writer of the featured book The Phenomenal Woman, was introduced to the eager audience.

Edak Willie is a multi-faceted creative and humanitarian who is passionate about women, especially young girls, their rights, and how women everywhere can continue to grow and develop.

Willie’s key message to women through her book is that people will treat you well when you invest in yourself. You have everything it takes to become an asset to the people around you, she says, as long as you keep improving yourself as a person. And when you do, you will receive even more favour and more opportunities.

One highlight of the book is its description of how women can conduct themselves in public to stand out. You can be valued and respected by other people just by the way you sit, shake hands and interact with others. The book is an excellent guide for any woman seeking to stretch her capacity and become ‘more.’

At the end of the reading, the audience asked questions on points that needed more clarification, and Willie addressed them. Positive thoughts were expressed in general in the book, particularly the way the topics aroused attention. There was praise for the author for her creativity and ability to weave together various aspects that define femininity.