Senegalese feminist author whose novels focus on the plight of African women. Her notable works include So Long a Letter and Scarlet Song.
Before publishing her debut novel in 1981, she trained as a Teacher.
So Long a Letter, her first work of fiction, was awarded the 1980 Noma Prize.
She married a member of Senegal's Parliament. After having nine children, she and her husband divorced.
She and Helene Cixous were fellow feminists.
