Empowering Reads: A Journey Through Inspirational Books for Women and Girls
Reclaiming Their Stories: Celebrating the power of young women
Books to Inspire, Empower and Educate Adolecent Girls Worldwide
We are excited to announce the launch of Women for Women International's expanded Adolescent Girls Programme, an extension of our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations curriculum. This programme aims to support teenage girls aged 16-17 in conflict-affected countries, where they face extreme poverty, gender-based violence and limited educational opportunities. Globally, 119 million girls are not in school (source: UNICEF), highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers gender equality, health, financial literacy, vocational skills, and future planning — designed to support young women and prepare them for economic independence. With a rights-based, survivor-centred approach, we ensure the safety and support of every participant.
Through our pilot programme in Rwanda and planned expansions to Iraq, Nigeria, and Afghanistan by the end of 2025, we aim to reach 3,000 girls.
In line with this mission, we've curated a selection of powerful books that resonate deeply with the themes of our Adolescent Girls Programme. These books connect to the rights of adolescents, addressing education, empowerment, resilience and activism. Happy reading!
I Am Malala
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, is a global advocate for girls’ education. Her courageous stand against the Taliban’s oppressive policies has inspired millions, and her memoir tells the story of her incredible journey.
Why read it? I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban mirrors the challenges many adolescent girls face in our programme — the right to education which is often denied due to conflict and discrimination. Malala's story of resilience and activism serves as a reminder that education is key to empowerment.
We Should All Be Feminists
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author and feminist who has written widely about identity, gender and social issues. Her TEDx talk, which inspired this book, is a groundbreaking manifesto for gender equality.
Why read it? Adichie’s work aligns with our curriculum’s emphasis on gender equality and women’s rights. For teenage girls navigating a world that often marginalises them, her call for empowerment and inclusion is vital. With eloquence and passion, Adichie breaks down what feminism means today, making it accessible and relatable for people from all walks of life.
Girl Up
Laura Bates
Laura Bates is the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, which has been a powerful platform for highlighting and addressing gender inequality.
Why read it? Packed with advice and inspiration, this book empowers young women to tackle sexism, build their confidence and assert their place in the world. Bates connects to the themes of our programme by encouraging young girls to challenge societal norms, build self-esteem and stand up against gender-based violence.
The Confidence Code for Girls
Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Katty Kay is a journalist with BBC World News, and Claire Shipman is a journalist and advocate for women’s leadership. Together, they’ve written a book that aims to help girls break free from societal pressures and embrace their authentic selves.
Why read it? This book emphasises confidence and self-worth, key areas of focus in our Adolescent Girls Programme. By encouraging girls to take risks and embrace their unique strengths, it fosters the resilience and leadership skills our curriculum aims to build.
Girls Resist!
KaeLyn Rich
KaeLyn Rich is a writer and activist who works to promote social justice, particularly for youth and women.
Why read it? For young girls looking to make a difference, this book offers a step-by-step guide to activism, making it the perfect handbook for budding change-makers. Rich’s focus on activism mirrors our efforts to equip adolescent girls with leadership skills and the courage to advocate for their rights. This book is a powerful tool for those looking to effect change in their communities.
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves
Laura Erickson-Schroth
Laura Erickson-Schroth is a psychiatrist and transgender health advocate who focuses on promoting the well-being of transgender individuals.
Why read it? This invaluable resource tackles critical issues for the transgender community, providing education and support for individuals and allies alike. It aligns with our mission of creating safe spaces for all girls, regardless of gender identity.
The Girl Who Smiled Beads
Clemantine Wamariya
Clemantine Wamariya is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda and an advocate for displaced persons and refugees. Her memoir shares the story of her incredible personal journey.
Why read it? Clemantine’s story mirrors the experiences of many adolescent girls in our programme, who are often displaced by conflict and violence. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength it takes to overcome trauma and reclaim one’s future.
The Last Girl
Nadia Murad
Nadia Murad is a Yazidi human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She advocates for survivors of sexual violence and is a voice for the Yazidi community.
Why read it? Nadia’s story resonates deeply with the girls in our programme, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence. Her activism and courage inspire young women to speak out and seek justice.
Help us enrol more girls in our Adolescent Girls Programme
With our #SheDares Matching Gift Challenge, every donation will be doubled, amplifying your impact. Join us in creating lasting change and helping young women reclaim their futures.
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In October we attended Women, Peace and Security week with our partners from the Resourcing Change consortium. Here their reflections on a productive and interesting week at the United Nations.
Here are some of the books that help our Managing Director, Sara Bowcutt, connect with women survivors of war. Books have the unique ability to transport us into the lives and emotions of others; to bridge borders and build empathy and understanding. Explore these titles, all written by women who have experienced conflict first-hand or from those who have witnessed the bravery of such women.
Read these books that break the silence on violence against women. Help end this injustice by sharing the experiences of survivors and raising your voice.
Year after year, the 11th October marks International Day of the Girl – but this must be more than just another day in our calendars. Every day, girls continue to feel unsafe and unheard. This has to change. Read about how our global team and programme participants are paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation of women and girls.
Last week, global leaders met for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, part of the annual United Nations General Assembly. These high-level talks mark the halfway point to the 2030 deadline of achieving the SDGs. Read about how our work aligns with the Goals, and where our data helps to paint a more nuanced picture of global progress.
My time as St Andrews Society President
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Hear from Kyra Guenther, President of St Andrews Women for Women International Student Society. She shares her experiences and top tips after leading this incredible award-winning Student Society, which has supported women survivors of war for more than 10 years.
Thank you, St Andrews Women for Women International Student Society!
Women in Afghanistan have seemingly been erased from public life. The de facto government is stripping back their rights, one restriction after another. But two years since the takeover, women refuse to back down. Read about how our brave and defiant Afghan sisters are taking a stand, wielding their power and holding onto hope.
In conflict-affected countries where we have established offices and local teams, many women in our programmes are refugees or forcibly displaced. And when conflict emerges where we don't have local teams, we work where we can to identify partner organisations on the ground, with whom we meet the unique and urgent needs of women who are often overlooked in times of crisis.
Here are four spotlights on some of the crises we're responding to by serving refugee and displaced women - and ways you can help too.
5 Myths & Misconceptions About Refugees
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Shocking statistics and clickbait headlines perpetuate damaging stereotypes about refugees. By unpicking common myths and misconceptions, we increase our understanding and are better placed to help refugees heal and rebuild their lives.
World Refugee Week Reading List
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In recent years, refugee literature has provided a way of educating the public about the truth behind the refugee experience. Women for Women International believes that knowledge is power, so check out our World Refugee Day Reading List to grow your awareness and understanding of the refugee experience for your own personal reading and to share with others.
Refugee Women You Need to Know About
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Meet six incredible refugee women - from Syrian activist Waad al-Kateab to actress and singer Marlene Dietrich - who have used their power to make a difference.