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
This Women’s History Month, we've partnered with some of the UK's most-loved brands to celebrate the peace-building power of all women. You have the power to help women transform their lives and become powerful changemakers by shopping with purpose.
After nearly two years as our Fundraising and Marketing Officer, Daisy Bessell is stepping into a new chapter. Read her reflections on the lessons of uncertainty, the courage it takes to move forward without guarantees and the remarkable ways women living through conflict transform instability into opportunity, agency and local peacebuilding.
Imagining Peace
subtitle:
We asked women living through war and conflict: “If there were peace in your country today, what’s the first thing you would do?” Their answers are simple, yet profound - rebuilding homes, sleeping without fear, growing a small business or hugging loved ones without worry. From Gaza to South Sudan, from the DRC to Ukraine, these voices remind us what true peace means: safety, dignity and the chance to rebuild life with hope.
Women are deeply affected by conflict yet remain excluded from peace negotiations. This blog highlights why women’s leadership and inclusion are essential to building lasting, inclusive peace.
Women Peacebuilders You Should Know
subtitle:
From leading non-violent movements and advocating for human rights to rebuilding societies in the aftermath of conflict, women peacebuilders bring unique perspectives and lasting solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges. This blog highlights the work of inspiring women who have shaped peace efforts across the globe and reminds us why women’s leadership is essential to achieving sustainable, inclusive peace.
Women's History Month Quotes
subtitle:
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the voices, achievements and resilience of women whose contributions have shaped our world, often against significant barriers. Throughout history, women have used their words to challenge injustice, inspire change and give strength to others. See this blog for quotes that highlight the wisdom, courage and determination of women from different eras and backgrounds.
Origins of Women's History Month
subtitle:
Women’s History Month began as a grassroots initiative led by educators and activists who wanted to address the absence of women’s contributions in history education. What started as a local Women’s History Week in California grew into an internationally recognised month celebrating women’s achievements and their vital role in shaping history.
Learn more about it's origins and why it's still needed today.
Our 2026 Crisis Watchlist highlights the emergencies where women’s needs are being overlooked, and where sustained, gender-focused support is urgently required. This list is by no means exhaustive, but offers an overview of where we're best placed to respond in the year ahead, given our size, geographical presence and expertise.
On 7th December 2025, Anat took on the Valencia Marathon, running 42 km not just as a personal challenge, but to raise vital funds for Women for Women International. In this blog, we explore how her journey of resilience determination can inspire us all to support women survivors of war.
Throughout 2025, Centrica Women’s Network came together to host an inspiring series of events raising funds for Women for Women International. In this blog, we hear from Agata, who led the efforts, as she reflects on the power of women uniting and the spirit of sisterhood to drive meaningful change.
CRSV is not a by-product of conflict, it is a weapon. During this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we unpack the realities women face, from stigma to the absence of justice systems. Women for Women International continues to put survivors’ voices at the centre of advocacy and peacebuilding to challenge the systems that enable this violence and to champion women’s leadership in shaping safer futures.
Shop with Purpose this Holiday Season
subtitle:
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.