Lesa Prize for Women's Non-Fiction

A prize to give voice to Italian female authors

In the heart of the town of Lesa, overlooking Lake Maggiore in the Province of Novara, the Lesa Prize for Women's Non-Fiction is a national award created to champion the writing of Italian women, with a special focus on non-fiction in the scientific and social spheres. The initiative, promoted by the Associazione Culturale Lesa Web Radio (the local Piedmontese web radio station), honors essays, biographies, and memoirs that stand out for their originality and ability to influence public debate, alongside an award reserved for a deserving debut author.

The philosophy behind the prize

The core idea is simple yet ambitious: Italian female writers excel, yet they often face more obstacles than men in gaining visibility and recognition. The prize was born to bridge this gap, offering authors an exceptional showcase in a village with deep literary charm, and drawing public attention to books that explore society, science, and rights through a female lens.

The jury and categories

The prize is led by a jury chaired by journalist Luisa Ciuni and composed of members including Manuela Sasso, Elena Mora, Nicoletta Sipos, and Giulia Dusio. Each edition presents multiple awards linked to the prize's partners — including the Lesa Web Radio Prize, the Ricola Prize, and the Herno Prize — in addition to the Lesa Town Debut Author Prize. The finalist works, selected from the best of Italian women's non-fiction, are presented to the public during the ceremony.

Lesa, a village with a cultural vocation

Lesa is a small town on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, historically linked to Alessandro Manzoni, who used to stay here at his family villa. It is in this setting, amidst historic villas and the lakeside promenade, that the prize takes place, utilizing the Town Hall and the village's cultural spaces. The event is part of a busy program of local initiatives promoted by the Associazione Lesa Web Radio.

A day open to everyone

The award ceremony is the highlight of the event: in addition to the presentation of the awards, it includes meetings with the winning authors, book signing sessions, and a convivial toast. Admission is free until capacity is reached, and the event is designed for readers, non-fiction enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to hear some of the most interesting voices in Italian women's writing in person.