Annette Mbaye d'Erneville

Who is Annette Mbaye d'Erneville?

Annette Mbaye d’Erneville is a Senegalese writer. She is the mother of filmmaker Ousmane William Mbaye, and was the subject of his 2008 documentary film, Mère-Bi.

Born in Sokone, Senegal, and educated locally, she began her working life as a teacher. In 1947 she went to France to study journalism, and since 1963 was active in Radio Senegal, rising to become Director of Programmes. As has also been a journalist specializing in women's issues and in 1963 launched Awa magazine, the first francophone publication for African women. She specialises in writing children's literature and poetry and is associated with the Musée de la Femme Henriette-Bathily in Gorée.