“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights” – Gloria Steinem
Today is International Women’s Day, and with all the depressing news surrounding women’s well-being lately, we thought it would be timely to re-fuel our mojo and show the world our prowess. Here are 4 stories which will remind readers that the strength of a woman lies not in her physicality, but in her resilience to fight back and survive the most terrifying of circumstances.
1) Burned Alive by Souad
Palestine born Souad survived an attempted honour killing by her brother in law, who at the insistence of her family, set her on fire. Although there are several controversies doubting the authenticity of the book, Burned Alive nevertheless provides a frightening personal account of one woman’s painful road to recovery.
2) Shame by Jasvinder Sanghera
When Jasvinder was 14 years old, she was shown a photo of a man that was to be her husband. Seeing how her other sisters were suffering in arranged marriages, Jasvinder decided to run away from home and create her own destiny. Shame charts her difficult journey as she faces rejection and failed relationships before finally triumphing and finding her purpose in life.
3) My Forbidden Face by Latifa
My Forbidden Face tells the story of an Afghani teenager who documents how her life changes from that of a modern, progressive upbringing to one of repression and sacrifice under Taliban rule.
4) Sold for Silver by Janet Lim
This amazing book recounts Janet Lim’s early childhood memories of being sold as a slave by her mother and suffering abuse as well as exploitation under her “master”, before leading a fulfilling career working in a hospital and having several near death experiences as a civilian living in World War 2 in Malaya.
You’ve got to admit though, one day isn’t enough to celebrate being a woman!
All books can be purchased here.