This week, with International Women’s Day (8th March), and Women’s History Month, on my mind, I wanted to share some of the MUST-READ books, authored by women, from my personal development book club. It makes sense, seeing today is also World Book Day. One might say it’s serendipity!
But, before we get into the books, I want to visit International Women’s Day. I’m a proud feminist, and always shouted VERY loudly about the 8th March. However, over the past few years, something has come to my attention. And I feel very strongly that you should know about this too. As the buzz around International Women’s Day increases, I’d like to share the UN’s theme. It came to my attention a few years ago that IWD has been capitalised by an online platform, (it’s hard to unpick exactly who they are) that appears to commercialise what is a social justice movement.
International Women’s Day was first recognised by the United Nations (it’s been sponsored by them since 1975) and UN Women‘s 2024 theme is Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress. You can follow this theme through #InvestInWomen.
Yet it’s been overtaken by a commercialised and performative approach. It’s not about selfies and cupcakes, photo opportunities and encouraging women, yet again, to provide free work (yes, I’m pointing at every organisation that encourages speakers to work for free!) I’m going to share with you a website I wish I had shared more in previous years, and support those across this platform who work to empower and support women, every day of the year!
So, back to the books! One way you can invest in women is to support their work, their theories, their activism, and their platforms, by buying, reading, and sharing their work. With this in mind, I wanted to share with you 10 books that I feel can make a difference to ALL who read them. They speak about health, power, bias, misogyny, capitalism, economy, and mental health, amongst other things.
So, without further ado, please take some time to find these titles, and the authors; take on board the work and start to filter this out into your personal and professional life.
Sway (Unravelling unconscious bias) By Dr Pragya Agarwal
This unpicks and discusses all the bias that exists – from individual to group. It’s a must-read for everyone, to highlight your blind spots and to start working towards change.
Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring by Davina McCall and Dr Naomi Potter
Whilst this isn’t the only book on this subject, it’s the one I have reviewed! Simply ANY book that helps educate and break down barriers around women’s health is a book that needs to be on your shelf!
The authority Gap (Why Women are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men and What We Can Do About it) by Mary Ann Sieghart
This quote sums up the book. Simply, read it! “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,
Little Black Book: A Tool Kit for Working Women by Otegha Uwagba
We all know the power of a career mentor or sponsor; this book gives you all that, whilst you work to gain your “in-person” support.
You are what you read (Why changing your media diet can change the world) by Jodie Jackson
Ironically, if I had changed my media diet, I may have got to the UN’s version of International Women’s Day a little faster. This builds a case for being more active in our news consumer, to help craft the world we want!
Toolkit for Modern Life (53 Ways to Look After Your Mind) by Dr Emma Hepburn
We all know the value of a solid foundation of mental health, for ourselves and our families, so this book is a great place to start. It’s more than self-health; it’s an education piece to break cycles.
The comparison Cure (How to be Less Them and More You) by Lucy Sheridan
One way to battle against a capitalist society is to build YOUR version of success. This is the backbone of Lucy Sheridan’s excellent book!
Women and power a Manifesto by Mary Beard
This unpicks the history of, well, the dynamic between women and power. It will help life our minds outside and what is happening now, and help us wonder, “How Did We Get Here”, and “What can be learnt from the past?”
The Mother of All Jobs by Christine Armstrong
A book that is the parenting mentor we all needed -the challenges are laid bare, with suggestions of the systemic and social changes that need to happen.
Finally, although I don’t have a review for these books (yet) I want to add another title to the pile. As this year is all about investing in Women, here is a financially focused book that helps women get control over their money, pulling away the layers of mysticism and confusion that are often created to keep women away from wealth. It’s called Financial Feminist (Overcome the patriarchal bullshit and master your money and build a life you love) by Tori Dunlap. I think the title sums it up!
I’d love to know which books you would add to this list, as I am VERY aware this is a small selection of all the authors that make a difference in the world. Leave a comment below, or head over to Creating Careers to Enjoy, to share your thoughts!
All the reviews and book links have an affiliate link; if you click and buy I may get a small commission!
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
