October is Women’s History Month; this month highlights the contributions of women to events in history and in society. In Canada, October was proclaimed “Women’s History Month” in 1992. Its purpose was to give Canadians the opportunity to learn about the important contributions of women in our society.
Woman’s History month wouldn’t be possible without feminists. The definition of “Feminist,” according to Webster’s Dictionary, is: “the belief that men and women should have equal opportunities.” Feminism has created many political and social movements. These movements have all shared a common goal — to achieve economical and social equality of the sexes.
Many great books have been created in the name of feminism. We wanted to celebrate some great authors from feminists, activists, and intellectuals throughout the ages who use their voice to spread the word of equality.
Together We Rise
Written by: The Women’s March Organizers
2018
Summary:
The Women’s March organizers (in partnership with Condé Nast) put together a book featuring photos from the march, essays, and interviews by feminist activists. The book looks at an important day in history; a day on which the largest global protest in modern history took place.
The Little Book of Feminist Saints
Julia Pierpont
2018
Summary:
This book is full of a compendium of biographies and illustrations of 100 feminists throughout the ages. These women’s names should be known to every person. This book showcases feminists, matron saints, radicals, artists, and more.
We Should All Be Feminists
By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2014
Summary:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, based off her own experience, writes movingly about what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century. She argues that feminism is about basic human rights. She focuses on the experience all women, regardless of race or gender, face in this country.
Feminism is for Everybody
Written by: Bell Hooks
2000
Summary:
Critic, academic and writer Bell Hook’s goal of this book is to educate readers about the fundamentals of feminism. Hooks explains, that “feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” The book is the product of the many conversations Bell Hooks has had with men and women who ask her the fundamental question: “what is feminism?”
The Vagina Monologues
Written by: Eve Ensler
1996
Summary:
In the more than twenty years since this play was first performed, Eve Ensler’s episodic play has become a feminist classic. Ensler’s work was designed to give a voice to women of many races, identities and experiences. There are sections dedicated to sexual consent, sex work, body image, reproduction and more.
A Room of One’s Own
Written by Virginia Wolf
1929
Summary:
In 1929 woman were treated as lesser writers and creators because of their gender. In Woolf’s writing she points to the vast, systemic education and economic failures that have stifled woman writers of that time. Her clever, insightful perspective remains just as inspiring today as it was when it was published.
The Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Written by Mary Wollstonecraft
1792
Summary:
Nearly a hundred years before the term “feminist” even existed, Mary Wollstonecraft advocated and demanded greater rights for woman of her time. Wollstonecraft has been called one of the mothers of the feminist movement, posing the idea of women as the intellectually and socially equal to of men, and therefore deserving of equal opportunities and treatment.
