A selection of feminist books that are compulsory to read according to the UNWomen version, the United Nations structure on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
We Should All Be Feminists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The book is accessible and humorously reveals the topic of feminism, gives useful advice, presents his research on the problem through the prism of different cultures and peoples. The book will help moms and dads approach the upbringing of their children so that they do not have outdated stereotypes of gender inequality. How to build a society without pressure, based on mutual respect, love and understanding – the main message of the author.
I, Rigoberta Menchu, an Indian Woman in Guatemala, Rigoberta Menchu.
The autobiographical book by the Nobel laureate and winner of Prize of Asturias Prince, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, is based on an interview with her and deals with the persecution of Guatemala’s indigenous people, including women.
Under the Udala Trees, Chinelo Okparanta.
The Nigerian-American writer’s book is described as a fascinating novel about a young gay woman and a delicate balance between a love story and the history of the Nigerian Civil War. The novel was nominated for the NAACP Image Award as an outstanding literary work of 2016.
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and other lies, Scarlett Curtis
This is not a textbook or instruction that helps to become a “correct” feminist, nor is it a collection of scientific essays that explain the history of the women’s movement. This is a book about feelings that first turn into thoughts and then into actions. It is likely that most of the amazing women who have told their stories here have just begun their journey and will still have to learn what it is like to be a feminist and fight for their rights. This book will not teach the basics of feminism, but will reveal that the main thing in this movement – women: complex, incomprehensible, who love makeup and pink, laugh and cry…
I am Malala, Malala Yousafzai
A book about a Pakistani girl who went through terrible trials, begging in the beautiful Swat Valley, the beginning of the Taliban, threats to the family, success in Pakistan, a shot to the head and an amazing rescue. Malala was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and Time magazine included her in the list of the most influential teenagers of 2013.
In the time of the butterflies, Julia Alvarez
An international bestseller, translated into 16 languages and screened in 2001. Sisters Minerva, Patria and Maria Theresa were called butterflies by friends. They are used to an easy life. Even the Dominican dictator, a cruel and powerful man, could not resist one of them…
The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
An anti-utopia novel based on a film, opera and TV series. The novel raises the issue of women’s disenfranchisement. In a fictional country, women are recognized as lower-class people – they are forbidden to read, get an education, they are forbidden to own property.
The Second Sex, Simone De Beauvoir
Feminist-philosophical fundamental study of the place and role of women in life, gender inequality, systemic oppression of women and their causes and mechanisms, translated into almost 40 languages. The Vatican has included the book in the Index of Forbidden Books. A world-famous quote from this book: “A woman is not born – she becomes.”
Ecofeminism, Maria Mies, Vandana Shiva
A book exploring the links between patriarchal society and environmental destruction. The authors raise the issues of colonization, biodiversity restoration, food, soil, sustainable development and other issues.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou
The book is a chronicle of the life of an African-American girl who knows everything about racism and sexual violence. The plot consists of scenes of violence so honestly and openly described that the book was banned from publication in some countries around the world.
The Last Girl, Nadia Murad
A book-history of the genocide of an entire nation. It is a testament to the human desire to survive and a love letter to a lost country, a fragile society and a family destroyed by war. In 2018, the author of the book became a Nobel laureate for her efforts to end sexual violence as a weapon of war.
A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf
The world-famous essay states that the main thing that women lack for creativity is their own room where they can be alone, and the minimum income so as not to starve. None of the author’s great predecessors could afford such elementary things.
P.S. Wikipedia interprets the term feminism as a series of political, social movements and ideologies that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, cultural, personal and social equality of women and men. This includes combating violence against women, gender stereotypes, setting opportunities for women in education and work, equal to those of men. A feminist is a person who advocates or maintains equal human rights for women.
Feminist movements have advocated and continue to advocate for women’s rights, including suffrage, the right to hold public office, work and receive fair (equal to men) pay (as well as other labor rights), own property, receive education, enter into contracts, equal rights in marriage , reproductive rights (in particular, the right to plan a family and control the birth rate) and maternity leave.