University graduate wins inaugural Climate fiction prize

University of Wolverhampton graduate, Nigerian author Abi Daré, has been awarded the inaugural Climate fiction prize for her powerful novel, And So I Roar. This a follow-up to her bestselling debut, The Girl with the Louding Voice, secured the prestigious £10,000 prize at a ceremony in London on Wednesday evening.

Abi, who studied law at the University of Wolverhampton, expressed her profound honour, stating, "As a Black British-Nigerian woman, receiving this prize is a reminder that we do not need to wait for permission to step into global conversations or to contort our stories to fit a certain lens."

And So I Roar delves into the lives of rural women and girls in Nigeria navigating inequality and survival, poignantly illustrating how environmental collapse deeply impacts their realities. Author and judging chair Madeleine Bunting praised the novel as "a book of real energy and passion which both horrifies and entertains," highlighting its powerful portrayal of the social crises provoked by the climate emergency and Abi’s underlying hope in human strength.

Adding to this, Abi Daré will be a distinguished speaker at the University of Wolverhampton’s Inclusivity Conference: Authentic Allyship, on Thursday 12 June 2025.  Her insights as a celebrated author from an underrepresented background, exploring themes of identity and justice, will undoubtedly enrich discussions on the crucial topic of authentic allyship.

This significant prize for a University of Wolverhampton alumna underscores the institution's commitment to fostering talent and empowering voices from diverse backgrounds. Abi’s success in tackling critical global issues through her writing, along with her participation in the upcoming inclusivity conference, highlights the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental awareness.

"We are incredibly proud of Abi for winning this groundbreaking award," said David Wedge, Head of Alumni Relations at the University of Wolverhampton. "It's a fantastic testament to her talent and the importance of her writing."

Abi Daré's journey, from her studies at the University of Wolverhampton to becoming an award-winning author addressing pressing global challenges, serves as an inspiration to the University community and beyond. Her participation in the Inclusivity Conference: Authentic Allyship promises to be a highlight, offering invaluable perspectives on the importance of inclusive conversations and amplifying underrepresented voices on critical issues.