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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INVEST IN THE POWER OF WOMEN THIS MARCH
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This Women’s History Month, harness your #PowerToChange by investing in these values-led brands and help to change the world, one woman at a time. From fashion to homeware to food, we are proud to work with partners that reflect the skills learnt by women in our programmes.
This International Women's Day, here are six ways you can harness your #PowerToChange to improve the world for women everywhere.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, restrictive gender norms make it difficult for women to purchase land in their own name. Read Gorette, Furaha and Gentille's stories - three of our programme graduates who have defied the odds and now help other women to do the same.
Meet Chro and Buki
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Women have the #PowerToChange the world. We see it happen all the time. In the face of inequality and conflict, women make small, positive changes which in time have a lasting impact on their families, on their communities and on society as a whole. Meet Buki and Chro, two members of our global team who are using their power to create a ripple effect of change.
On International Women’s Day 2022, we want to elevate the voices of the changemakers in the countries we work. These are women who are demonstrating their #PowerToChange social norms and are committed to creating a ripple effect for generations to come. Meet Khalida, Latifa and Zainab - women in our global team who have shared their inspiration, changes they've seen, and their hopes for the future.
Update and how your support continues to make a difference for women in Afghanistan as we resume our programmes.
The realities and experiences of the most marginalised women affected by conflict are unlikely to be captured in official, national-level data. That's why we started publishing data from the women in our programmes in 2017 - increasing their visibility. Read our top 10 highlights from our monitoring and evaluation data on how our work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Please Don't Forget Afghanistan
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Latifa Faqirzada worked for Women for Women International - Afghanistan for nearly four years. With the help of the UK government, she left Kabul in August 2021 during the final days of the US/UK troop withdrawal. She is currently residing in London and advocating for the women who remain in Afghanistan. This blog is her personal story.
As we resume operations in Afghanistan, the country is facing a new emergency. International aid has been frozen and the country is on the brink of economic collapse: the banks have run out of cash, there is no money to pay salaries and not enough food for people.
The Gifts for Good Guide
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Join our global sisterhood in shopping with purpose this festive season with our Gifts for Good Guide. Discover an amazing selection of present ideas for your loved ones (or yourself!) that make a true difference to women survivors of war.
Accelerating gender equality requires breaking the silence on unacceptable norms. Women must have the tools to stand up for themselves, their sisters and their daughters. But women can’t do it alone – especially in some of the world's more conservative communities. Men and women working together is the only way to change the traditional and social norms that discriminate against women and restrict their freedoms.
Today is #GivingTuesday - a day of global generosity where you can join millions of people in making a real difference and giving back to others. Read on to discover the ways you can shop with purpose through your favourite brands today!