March is Women’s History Month, so we decided to release our third recommended reading list in honour of women. Let’s all celebrate women this month with some education and reflection – and pick up one of these fantastic reads.
1. Wollstonecraft: Philosophy, Passion, and Politics
Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, first published in 1792, is a work of enduring relevance in women’s rights advocacy. As we read through the lens of the politics and culture in her own time, this book reminds us why she’s a major eighteenth-century thinker and how her work still resonates today. Reading about the debates of her day allows you to reflect on these timeless issues. It’s a great read to understand the history of women’s issues and why we need change.
2. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New Yorker and Granta. What does “feminism” mean today? That’s the question that’s explored in this brilliantly-argued essay, which was adapted from her much-viewed Tedx talk of the same name. Adichie offers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century – one rooted in inclusion and awareness. She shines a light not only on gender discrimination, but also the institutional behaviours that marginalise women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the realities of sexual politics. She discusses her varying experiences in the U.S. and in her native Nigeria – relating to people all over the world.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama was the first African-American first lady, which helped to create a more welcoming and inclusive White House – and America.
She’s known as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, changing the ways families pursue healthier and more active lives. In her memoir, we hear about these efforts, along with what it was like to stand beside her husband as he led the United States.
We read about the experiences that have shaped her, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive while balancing motherhood and work, to her time spent at the White House.
“Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations-and whose story inspires us to do the same.”
4. It’s Not About the Burqa edited by Mariam Khan
Inspired by former prime minister David Cameron’s 2016 comment that Muslim women were “more submissive”, this superb collection of essays from a range of Muslim women aims to rid of these stereotypes that continue to persist in the UK about women from Muslim backgrounds.
This collection expertly articulates the pride and frustration many women feel about their religion and cultural backgrounds. From the challenges of meeting a partner, to clashes with family about acceptable conduct, queerness, religion, mental health and many other issues Muslim women face, anybody can relate to this excellent read.
5. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley, Malala fought for her right to an education and she nearly paid the ultimate price when she was shot in the head. Luckily, she survived to tell the tale and to keep fighting for women’s rights to education.
Her efforts and extraordinary journey has brought her around the world to speak her truth. She is the ultimate symbol of peaceful protest and is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
This inspiring read will make you believe in the power of one person’s voice to change the world.
6. The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore
For all of you comic book fans, this one’s for you. Even if you know nothing about comics, this fascinating and unique read comes from numerous documents and research, including never-before-seen papers about the family that sparked the invention of Wonder Woman – the most popular female superhero.
Written by Harvard historian and New Yorker writer, Jill Lepore, this book uncovers the life of Wonder Woman’s creator, psychologist William Moulton Marston. Wonder Woman has a surprising amount of feminist origins and inspirations.
“The Secret History of Wonder Woman is at once a riveting work of pop-culture history, and a crucial insight into the struggle for women’s rights in the twentieth century and the troubled place of feminism today.”
7. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
For those of you who want to ensure your children look up to women and believe that they can do anything, this book is a must.
Women in Science explores fifty notable women in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, from both the ancient and modern worlds. It has fascinating infographics and an illustrated scientific glossary, to keep the young ones (and yourself) engaged and interested.
This book is a thank you to all the women who have paved the way for females in generations to come.
