Gender equality: The aim of the UN’s fifth Sustainable Development Goal is to “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” 9 major targets fall under this umbrella. These include eliminating violence against women and girls, stopping child marriage and ending all discrimination. Further targets focus on undertaking reforms to promote and support women’s rights as well as creating legislation to help empower women and girls.
The books below feature titles that share women and girls’ first-hand experiences of inequality. In addition, you will also find books that celebrate the achievements of women, inspiring generations of girls and women from all walks of life.
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Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress
by Alicia D. Williams (Author), April Harrison (Illustrator)
Review: Alicia Williams’ book tells the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to be elected to congress in 1968. Beautiful illustrations accompany the easy-to-access text. This follows Chisholm’s life and achievements from early childhood to her congressional election. Inquisitive and determined from a young age, Shirley’s political journey began when she joined the Political Science Society at college. The book subsequently follows the path that ultimately led to Chisholm’s election to congress. Overcoming obstacles and prejudice along the way, Chisholm won by more than 21,000 votes. Alicia Williams’ text clearly outlines the inspiration and circumstances that influenced Shirley at each stage of this journey. An accessible and inspiring read.
Watch here for a read-aloud of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old.
Older readers (8 to 12 years old) may also enjoy learning about Jeannette Rankin, the first-ever female congresswoman, in Peter Aronson’s highly engaging biography: Jeannette Rankin: America’s First Congresswoman
Fantastically Great Women Who Made History
By Kate Pankhurst
Review: Fantastically Great Women Who Made History is a vibrant, inviting book that shares the stories of 14 women who have made history through time and across the globe. From Hatshepsut to Mary Wollstonecraft to Harriet Tubman to Noor Inayat Khan, Kate Pankhurst’s child-friendly text, inviting page layout and colourful illustrations make this a joy to read. Each woman is allocated a double-page spread, with plenty of information that provides an overview of and introduction to her achievements. The final “Bookshelf of Brilliance” ends by asking readers, “How will you make History?” Please note, that the book is not in chronological order.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 to 8 years and above.
For The Right To Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story
by Rebecca Ann Langston-George (Author), Janna Rose Bock (Illustrator)
Review: Beautifully illustrated and compellingly told, For The Right To Learn recounts the true story of Malala Yousafzai. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 when she was only 17 years old, Malala continues to be an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Throughout the book, Rebecca Ann Langston-George does a tremendous job of helping young readers to understand the implications of life under the rule of the Taliban. Along with her father Ziauddin, the head of a local school for boys and girls, Malala spoke out against the Taliban’s repression of girls’ right to an education. When placed on a Taliban hit list, Malala refused to be cowed, continuing to go to school along with her friends until one fateful day she was shot. Following multiple surgeries, Malala recovered and continues to fight for “education for every boy and every girl in the world.” Highly recommended.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 to 12 years old.
Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked The World
by Pénélope Bagieu
Review: Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked The World features more than 25 women who overcame numerous obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the world. Featuring a mix of well-known and lesser-known names, this book is a mine of information. Presented in a comic book style it is instantly accessible to readers. Each woman’s accomplishments are told in the present tense and feature some memorable anecdotes; Margaret Hamilton’s scenes as the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz were cut because her performance was too scary. This book provides a superb introduction to some fascinating women, many of whom readers will want to learn more about.
Suggested Reading Age: 12 years old and above.
I Am Nujood, Age 10 And Divorced
by Nujood Ali (Author), Delphine Minoui (Author), Linda Coverdale (Translator)
Review: I Am Nujood, Age 10 And Divorced is an autobiography. Written with the help of Delphine Minouii, Nujood tells of her life as a child bride in Yemen; she was married to a man three times her age when she was around 9 years old. Living in poverty, Nujood was a happy girl who enjoyed school and playing with her siblings until she was sold off. We follow Nujood as she is taken from everything familiar and forced to live as a wife far away from her home. Showing tremendous courage, Nujood managed to get to a courthouse where she asked for a divorce. Simply written, this book packs a punch. The bravery and strength of spirit that Nujood showed stay with you long after you have put the book down. Recommended.
Suggested Reading Age: Older teens and adults.
Happy Reading!
Other UN Sustainable Development Goal Inspired Posts That May Be Of Interest:
Do YOU know of any books to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .