Established in 2004 by the ASA Women’s Caucus, the prize was made possible by generous gifts from Drs. Margaret “Peg” Snyder, Judith Van Allen, Mary Osirim, Nwando Achebe, and Anita and Derrick Plummer. The Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize is awarded each year to an outstanding book that prioritizes African women’s experiences. Named in honor of Ama Ata Aidoo, the celebrated Ghanaian author, and Margaret Snyder, Caucus member and the founding director of UNIFEM, the prize seeks to acknowledge the excellence of contemporary scholarship about African women. The prize alternates between scholarly and creative works annually.
The prize includes $500 and is presented at the ASA Women’s Caucus Lecture annually.
Eligibility
Nominations must be original works in English or English translation that prioritize African women’s experiences, published in the two preceding years (copyright date). In odd years, nominations must be scholarly monographs and can be single or co-authored. In even years, nominations must be creative works. Self-published work, edited collections, new editions of previously published works, bibliographies, and dictionaries are not eligible. Nominations may only be submitted once for consideration. Nominations must significantly deal with Africa or related areas, including islands off the West African and East African coasts.
Nomination
Nominations must be made directly by publishers. All nominated authors must be paid members of the ASA Women’s Caucus at the time of nomination. Nomination details must be submitted to the committee including (1) author, (2) contact information, and (3) full citation. One copy of each nomination must be sent directly to each committee member, whose names and addresses are listed on the nomination form. Nominations open January and close April 30 annually.
Committee
2026 Committee TBD