Image: via UN Women Australia
UN Women Australia say that International Women’s Day 2024 ‘will examine the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere’ (2024) by emphasising a key theme and phrase for celebrations across the globe: Count Her In. Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.
Recognition of the diverse challenges women face, appreciation for unique experiences, and improving ‘equal access to education, employment pathways, financial services and literacy’ (UN Women Australia 2024) are critical goals for reaching gender equality. Using the day to celebrate and value the collective inclusion of women across the globe, International Women’s Day provides us with a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the strengths of the feminine experience.
Here are some of the top feminist reads in our Library collection ahead of International Women’s Day this Friday March 8th!
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
Like a snazzy how-to guide to contemporary feminism, Given’s bestseller explores ‘all progressive corners of the feminist conversation’ (Good Reads). From intersectionality versus dating and insecurities versus identity, Given attempts to ‘re-shape the toxic structures of our patriarchal society’ and helps redefine feminism as supported by contemporary politics.
Available from the City Campus Library.
Sylvia Plath’s Selected Poems by Sylvia Plath
As one of the greatest feminist poets, Sylvia Plath’s oeuvre explores the human psyche – the elements that bring us through the dark depths of mental distress and into the light of motherhood – to illustrate her lived experiences passively. A woman whose work was published post-humanly by her oppressive husband (a whole other feminist debate—read more here!) and a mother who celebrates her children, Sylvia Plath’s work is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the feminine experience.
Available from the City Campus library.
Say Hello by Carly Findlay
‘A forthright, honest, and rousingly triumphant memoir,’ Findlay’s recent memoir speaks into the author’s experience with a rare and confronting skin condition. Moving and personal, the manifesto allows us to celebrate the differences and challenges women face ‘on disability and appearance diversity issues’ (Google Books).
Available from the City Campus Library.
The Mental Load: A Feminist Comic by Emma
As the great feminist debate advances into new media, French comic artist Emma examines “the mental load” that ‘disproportionately falls to women’ (Google Books). Using a distinctive and unique voice in comic strips, the artist reflects on social and feminist issues to represent the “load” on the feminine experience, to break taboos, and ultimately to connect with her feminist readers on what it really means to be a woman today.
Available from the City Campus Library.
gigorou: it’s time to reclaim beauty: First Nations Wisdom and Womanhood by Sasha Sarago
Sarago’s biography is a fierce, funny, and powerful text on womanhood and matriarchy in First Nations experiences to help heal and reclaim femininity. A strong examination of beauty and expectations, the text takes a positive and reflective tone to drive the search for femininity.
Available from the City and East Campus Libraries.
Words by Ashlee Simpson,
Digital & Library Engagement Officer
& postgraduate feminist studies researcher.
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