Doley Henderson wins 2026 Irene Adler Prize for women writers

Toronto-based writer Doley Henderson has won the 2026 Irene Adler Prize for her essay “Temilola,” earning a $1,000 scholarship for her studies in creative writing for therapeutic purposes. The annual prize also gave an honorable mention to Anne Marie Wells, and all 2026 winners were from Canada for the first time.

Why it matters: - The Irene Adler Prize gives direct financial support to women pursuing journalism, creative writing or literature degrees. - The 2026 award underscores a growing Canadian presence in the competition, with all winners coming from Canada for the first time. - The prize is open to writers worldwide, so the result reflects a competitive international field.

What happened: - Doley Henderson won the 2026 Irene Adler Prize for her essay, “Temilola.” - Henderson is based in Toronto. - Henderson receives $1,000 toward her education. - Henderson is pursuing an M.Sc. in creative writing for therapeutic purposes at Metanoia Institute through Middlesex University. - Anne Marie Wells received an honorable mention for “Halfway.” - Wells is studying creative writing at Okanagan College in Kelowna, British Columbia. - Wells received a $250 honorarium.

The details: - The annual Irene Adler Prize was founded in 2017. - The scholarship is awarded to a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution. - Lucas Aykroyd founded the prize. - Aykroyd said Henderson’s essay captures the challenges and joys of teaching high-school English in Nigeria. - Aykroyd said the piece brings teachers, students and cultural connections to life with vivid images and details. - The prize is named after Irene Adler, the heroine of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1891 Sherlock Holmes story “A Scandal in Bohemia.” - Aykroyd is a Vancouver writer and public speaker whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Globe and Mail, Ms. Magazine and Shondaland. - Aykroyd has covered women’s hockey for IIHF.com at seven Olympics. - Aykroyd served as editor-in-chief of WomenSport International’s newsletter. - Aykroyd holds an M.A. in English literature from the University of Victoria, which gave him the Distinguished Alumni Award. - More information is available in the scholarship announcement.

Between the lines: - The 2026 results suggest the prize is drawing strong Canadian talent even though the competition accepts entries from anywhere. - The recognition of a therapeutic writing student and an undergraduate writer points to the prize’s wide reach across different stages of study. - The founder’s public comments frame the winning essay as both literary and rooted in lived classroom experience.

What's next: - The 2027 Irene Adler Prize submission guidelines will be released in January. - Future applicants can review past winners and the current competition details through the prize website.

The bottom line: - Henderson’s win gives the Irene Adler Prize a Canadian-centered 2026 finish and another year of tuition support for women writers.