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
Read about how Dr. Asma Elnaeem and Dr. Hiba Ahmed are providing vital healthcare and support to women in Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict, showing incredible resilience despite immense challenges.
The new Netflix show Adolescence has captivated audiences across the UK, tackling the pressing issue of boys and young men being radicalised through online communities that promote harmful and extreme ideas about masculinity. But what does the show have to do with our work in conflict-affected countries, where life on the ground looks very different?
Reparations and the WPS Agenda
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Read about Global Policy and Advocacy Manager, Maryline Njoroge's reflections on presenting at a panel at the GIMAC conference: “Peace, Security, and Reparative Justice: Addressing the colonial legacy and its gendered impact”.
Our partnership with Monica Vinader is so much more than a financial commitment. It sends a powerful message to women survivors of war that says: I stand with you, you are not alone. Since 2015, our partnership with Monica Vinader has helped over 420 women (and counting!) reach their full potential through our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme across the countries we work in.
Women's History Month Film List
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Explore powerful films that tell vital stories of women survivors of war—narratives of survival, resistance, and the unwavering spirit of women who continue to rebuild, dream and inspire, even in the darkest of times.
With this global rollback of women’s rights, political polarisation, international aid cuts and the escalation of conflicts, the news provides a constant barrage of devastating images and negative statistics. It’s no wonder many of us feel angry and hopeless. Yes the women we serve, living in the world's most dangerous places, continue to dream and believe in a brighter future. Read their advice on how to hold onto hope.
Bukola Onyishi, our Country Director in Nigeria, shares how gratuates of our year-long programme have taken the initiative to pass along their learnings to 475 women from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. Bukola says "Their commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering resilience has been nothing short of inspiring to me."
Each week, these trainers—graduates from our programme—brought the women together to teach them social and economic skills using participant handbooks, ensuring that the lessons they once received from Women for Women International continue to reach more women.
Women’s History Month is a time to come together and celebrate the resilience, strength and achievements of women worldwide. Read our blog to discover the brands making a real impact - and how your support can help women worldwide find their power.
Women Holding Ukraine Together
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Anna Orel from The Andreev Family Foundation, our partner organisation in Ukraine, shares her experience of war and supporting women - three years after Russia's full-scale invasion.
She shares: "This female strength inspires me. Even in the darkest times, there are people with light in their hearts."
According to the latest UN figures, 305 million people will require humanitarian assistance and protection this year – five million more than last year. Our watch list below outlines eight humanitarian emergencies that we believe need special attention in 2025, specifically for the women and girls impacted.
Shop with Purpose this Holiday Season
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This holiday season, together with our partners we are inviting you to shop with purpose. From make-up and skincare to jewellery and fashion, find the perfect gift and help drive positive change for women worldwide, providing them with access to education, vocational training, and financial independence.
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. 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!