Summer Reading: Celebrating Voices from Around the World
Summer Reading: Celebrating Voices from Around the World
Celebrating remarkable stories of courage and determination from conflict-affected countries
As we embrace the warmth of summer (sometimes metaphorically, depending on the weather!), we invite you to join us in exploring captivating narratives penned by talented female writers from around the world.
This curated summer reading list celebrates the rich diversity of cultures, histories and personal experiences through the lens of authors from eight conflict-affected countries where we work.
Dive into these stories that promise to inspire meaningful conversations and highlight universal truths about the human experience; reminding us that, despite our own origin stories, there is so much more that unites than divides us.
The Barefoot Woman
Scholastique Mukasonga (Rwanda)
"Her bare feet pressed deep into the memory of the earth."
Scholastique Mukasonga's memoir The Barefoot Woman beautifully captures the resilience of Rwandan culture amidst the turmoil of genocide. Through Mukasonga's heartfelt storytelling, we honour her mother's strength and the traditions that sustain their community in the face of unimaginable loss – and the glimmers of hope that follow it.
Half of a Yellow Sun
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)
"The world was silent when we died."
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun transports us to Nigeria during the Biafran War, weaving together the lives of characters whose destinies are shaped by love, loyalty and the tumultuous events unfolding around them. Adichie's iconic prose invites us to reflect on the impact of conflict on personal identities and societal norms.
The Baghdad Clock
“Some meanings exist inside us but are sleeping.”
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Baghdad, Shahad Al Rawi's The Baghdad Clock offers a heartfelt exploration of friendship and hope through the eyes of two young girls. Al Rawi poignantly captures the essence of everyday life amidst political upheaval, highlighting the dreams of Iraqi youth and their determination to create a brighter future.
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell
Nadia Hashimi (Afghanistan)
“The human spirit, you know what they say about the human spirit? Is is harder than a rock and more delicate than a flower petal.”
Nadia Hashimi's The Pearl That Broke Its Shell intertwines the stories of Rahima and Shekiba, Afghan women separated by generations but connected by their yearning for autonomy in a patriarchal society. We’re given a glimpse into the realities Afghan women face as they navigate complex cultural norms and societal expectations.
The Tiger's Wife
“These stories run like secret rivers through all the other stories of his life.”
Téa Obreht's The Tiger's Wife blends folklore with a contemporary narrative set in post-conflict Balkans, where a young doctor uncovers family secrets amidst a landscape haunted by history. Readers are treated to lyrical prose that invites us to ponder themes of memory, identity and the enduring impact of war on personal and collective narratives.
Sworn Virgin
Elvira Dones (Kosovo)
“She was the only girl in the village enrolled in university. She didn't want to have children, she just wanted books. In the middle of the mountains you couldn't say this if you were born a woman."
Elvira Dones' Sworn Virgin explores the Albanian tradition of sworn virgins through the story of Hana, who adopts a male identity to escape societal constraints and pursue her dreams. Dones' novel challenges gender norms and champions the strength of women who, against all odds, are forging their own paths in a rapidly changing world.
A Long Walk to Water
Linda Sue Park (South Sudan)
“One step at a time, one day at a time, just today, just this day to get through.”
Based on a true story, Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water follows the lives of two young protagonists in war-torn South Sudan—Nya, who must trek long distances for water, and Salva, a young boy separated from his family by conflict. The immersive narrative sheds light on the stark challenges survivors of conflict face amidst daily adversity, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
Mornings in Jenin
Susan Abulhawa (Palestine)
"We're all born with the greatest treasures we'll ever have in life. One of those treasures is your mind, another is your heart."
Susan Abulhawa's Mornings in Jenin spans generations of a Palestinian family's experience, offering an unflinching portrayal of displacement, resilience and the enduring hope for justice amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The empathetic storytelling encourages us to contemplate the universal need for belonging and peace — a message that is more timely than ever.
The story continues
Storytelling connects us all
Which of these compelling reads resonates with you the most? Do you have any favourite books or authors?
We would love to hear about them. Share your thoughts and recommendations on social media tagging us @womenforwomenuk. Happy reading!
Continue reading
More than two billion people around the world experience a period every month - but around 500 million cannot afford to manage them safely. Access to hygienic period products and safe spaces in which to use them is essential – as is our right to manage our periods without shame. Here’s how period poverty affects people in conflict – and what we can do to prevent it.
September marks a new beginning for many as students around the world return to school. The fresh scent of new notebooks, the anticipation of learning, and the joy of reuniting with friends are moments cherished by many. But for countless women and girls living in conflict zones, this simple joy is unattainable.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, Afghan women have experienced profound changes in their daily lives. The de facto government has reinstated many restrictions, severely limiting the rights and freedoms of women and girls.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, Afghan women have shown extraordinary determination and strength, finding ways to resist and adapt. Here, we explore five significant ways their lives have changed, highlighting both the difficulties they face and their ongoing fight for their rights.
Why is a climate justice lens important?
subtitle:
Nisha Singh, Senior Global Policy and Advocacy Manager, explains why Women for Women International uses a climate ‘justice’ lens to approach our programming and advocacy to strengthen women’s resilience at the intersection of conflict and climate shocks.
As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, we reflect on the remarkable journey of Yazidi women in our Stronger Women Stronger Nations programme, from conflict to realising their power. This milestone is not only a solemn reminder of the atrocities they faced but also a testament to their resilience and strength.
A deeper dive into our impact
subtitle:
2023 was a particularly challenging year for women survivors of war and conflict worldwide, with numerous ongoing and new crises impacting their lives. These global conflicts underscored the importance of our mission.
We're proud to share our impact with you, our global community, and are grateful for your steadfast commitment in helping us reach those who are often forgotten.
Summer Reading: Celebrating Voices from Around the World
subtitle: Remarkable stories of courage and determination from conflict-affected countries
As we embrace the warmth of summer (sometimes metaphorically, depending on the weather!) we invite you to join us in exploring captivating narratives penned by talented female writers from around the world.
This curated summer reading list celebrates the rich diversity of cultures, histories and personal experiences through the lens of authors from eight conflict-affected countries where we work.
Mawa and Jackline have been married for six years, living with their two children in South Sudan. Their marriage was on the brink of collapse when they were enrolled in our Couples Connect Pilot Programme.
Now, Mawa shares his story of transformation - and a heartfelt message to other men.
Our Couples Connect pilot sessions are helping men and women work together and ensure a better future for their families. Read Betty and Mawa's stories.
At Women for Women International, we understand that being asked to join an interview can be both exciting and daunting and want to support to feel confident and prepared. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Zeina Kanawati, originally from Damascus, Syria, now calls Berlin home.
After moving through various countries with her family to find safety, she has held onto recipes from Syria and shares traditional meals with her family and new community, keeping her culture and heritage alive even while she's away from her homeland.
The women we serve are all survivors of war or conflict – but far too many have survived violence against women as well. Despite the trauma, they continue to push for change. They rebuild their lives while working towards a brighter future for their children, and many become activists to drive wider, long-lasting change for their communities. In this blog we share the stories of five women, Nabintu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mila from Ukraine and Grace, Hadiza and Joyce from Nigeria.