Evaristo’s new prize for older female writers closes book on dispute at RSL

The £10,000 award is funded by its outgoing president, author Bernardine Evaristo, and will mark a new conciliatory mood among fellows after a period of rebellion in the ranks, followed by changes to the society’s leadership.

Timed to mark the 200th anniversary of RSL’s signing of its royal charter tomorrow, the inaugural Pioneer prize will “honour and thank trailblazing women over 60” and is to go to Evaristo’s choice, Maureen Duffy, the poet, author and playwright.

“It feels very special to celebrate two centuries... with the launch of this prize,” said the RSL’s new chair, historian and critic Ruth Scurr.

“And ‘pioneer’ is just the right word for this prize and for Bernardine herself.”

Last year’s angry dispute centred on reforms that were being driven by the former leadership. In January 2024, resignations and complaints from high-profile writers threatened a revolt among senior fellows.

Photograph by David Levenson / Getty Images