A new book titled "A Letter to My Younger Self" has been launched, featuring life stories of seventeen African women who share their experiences, doubts, and lessons learned. The book aims to inspire young girls to believe in their potential and pursue their ambitions. Initiated by Aïda Diouf, a leading figure in the Camusat group and Young Global Leader 2026 at the World Economic Forum, the book was officially launched on October 10, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal.
The book brings together women from twelve nationalities and various professions, including finance, technology, culture, sports, and human rights. Contributors include Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify's general manager for sub-Saharan Africa, and Ons Jabeur, a Tunisian tennis player who was ranked number two in the world. The book's diversity aims to show that success can take many forms and that there is no single model to follow.
The book's preface was written by Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo, who praises the courage of the contributors for sharing their stories. The book's goal is to inspire young women and girls to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams. Aïda Diouf says that the book is just the beginning, and her ambition is for these stories to reach young girls who need them, sparking conversations and changing trajectories.
The launch of the book was accompanied by a distribution event at Dakar's John F. Kennedy High School, where 50 students received free copies of the book. The school has a tradition of empowering young women, and its majorettes have participated in Senegal's Independence Day parade since 1975. The event was designed to promote reading, exchange, and transmission of experiences.
The book's contributors include Sefora Kodjo from Côte d'Ivoire, who is engaged in promoting female leadership. Other contributors come from various backgrounds, including entrepreneurship, media, and gastronomy. Their stories reveal successes, efforts, and self-questioning that have made their achievements possible.
The initiative plans to distribute 10,000 free copies of the book to over ten African countries, starting with Senegal, Morocco, and Côte d'Ivoire. The goal is to make these stories accessible to young girls who need them, broadening their perspectives and encouraging them to envision their futures freely.
The project's social dimension goes beyond the literary publication, aiming to inspire young generations of women. Aïda Diouf's initiative seeks to create a ripple effect, sparking conversations and changing trajectories. The book's impact will be measured by its ability to reach and inspire young girls across the continent.
Key points
- The book features stories of seventeen African women from diverse backgrounds and professions.
- The initiative aims to distribute 10,000 free copies of the book to over ten African countries.
- The book's goal is to inspire young girls to believe in their potential and pursue their ambitions.
