Sparkly WOW Capes in Bradford (2017) by Karol WyszynskiWOW - Women of the World Foundation
WOW — Women of the World is a global movement celebrating women and girls, taking a frank look at the obstacles they face. Many authors have found inspiration or inspired others through WOW and here are some of their favorites...
Author Layla SaadWOW - Women of the World Foundation
Layla Saad
Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World
We think this is a really important book. Talking about race can be hard, and this book is really about un-learning. It feels like a community too, like it's not something you're doing on your own, and Layla's writing is really clear. For white women particularly, this is a must read.
For a bit of history, in June 2018, author Layla Saad started a 28 day challenge for people holding white privilege to examine their complicity in white supremacy. Launched using the hashtag #MeAndWhiteSupremacy, the reaction was huge. More than 90,000 downloaded her Me and White Supremacy Workbook to teach readers how to dismantle the privilege within themselves so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of colour, and in turn, help other white people do better, too. Find out more here.
Queer Intentions author Amelia AbrahamsWOW - Women of the World Foundation
Amelia Abraham
Queer Intentions
This book is hilarious and also full of really vital questions about rights and freedoms, privilege, and preconceptions. Amelia is a really great writer and so the weave between the politics, the memoir, the interviews and the reflections is quite seamless. This book has just got this great energy that's quite infectious and non-judgemental - and is for anyone, under the queer umbrella or not. Find out more here.
Caroline Criado Perez
Invisible Women
Thrust this book into the hands of anyone you know! Immediately! This book proves that it's not YOU - it's the world, and who it has been built and designed for.
Imagine a world where your doctor prescribes a drug that is wrong for your body, your phone is too big for your hand, where in a car accident you are 47% more likely to be seriously injured, or where the hours of work you do are not recognised or valued.
While that may sound unbelievable, if you're a woman, those stats are a reality. This book is full of all the facts and figures you need to know, and it's also a great read. Find out more here.
Caroline Criado Perez on Invisible Women
Emma Dabiri
Don't Touch My Hair
Whatever your hair type, this book is vital reading. We laughed and cried our way through, felt sisterhood and understanding and learnt so much. A history of the politics of black hair, broadcaster and academic - and WOW regular - Emma's book covers everything from Kim Kardashian's braids to forgotten African scholars. The book has already influenced many a headteacher to change their school hairstyle policy. Get a copy now to learn about the Natural Hair Movement, Cultural Appropriation Wars and more. Find out more in this article by Gal-dem here.
Journalist and author Helen LewisWOW - Women of the World Foundation
Helen Lewis
Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights
Are you difficult? We weren't sure - but we read this book and thought again. What does it actually mean to be a difficult woman?
Journalist and author Helen Lewis says in her new book feminism's successes are down to complicated, contradictory, imperfect women, who fought each other as well as fighting for equal rights - they were women who weren't scared to be 'difficult', in one way or another.
The book is really inspiring because it gives a real insight into not just the politics of the time but the decisions the women made, the fights they fought, the progress, and what being ‘difficult’ has meant to them. Find out more here.
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