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12 Books to Help You Find Your Purpose and Make a Difference

The more we know and understand ourselves and each other, the more we can use our power to support more women.

This inspiration-filled reading list will help you tap into your inner strength and transform the world around you.

From self-care tips, to personal stories of courage and hope, to practical resources for activists, these incredible authors will give you the boost you need to be your bravest, boldest and best self. 

Need more book recommendations? Be sure to check out the Women for Women International Book Club. We'll be speaking with the author of Rage Becomes Her, Soraya Chemaly on March 4, World Book Day so be sure to register! 

Your Fearless Reading List

1. Fears to Fierce: A woman’s guide to owning her power by Brita Fernandez Schmidt

In her first book, Brita (Executive Director of Women for Women International – UK) shares inspiring stories, personal insights and practical tools to help you harness your power and overcome your fears.

2. Kind Words for Unkind Days by Jayne Hardy

In these difficult times, taking care of your mental health should be a top priority. This guide will help you feel happier, healthier and calmer in 2021.

3. Make it Happen: A handbook to tackling the biggest issues facing the world in 2021 by Amika George

Amika successfully campaigned to get the government to fund free period products in every school across England. Her guide to being an effective activist is essential reading for aspiring changemakers.

4. Little Black Book: A Toolkit for Working Women by Otegha Uwagba

A practical handbook for the world of work filled with top tips and motivation for building the career you want.

5. No Such Thing As Normal by Bryony Gordon

This honest, down-to-earth book about mental illness and mental wellness offers support and advice to help you build resilience and feel less alone.

6. The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power

From war correspondent in the Balkans, to the youngest ever US Ambassador to the United Nations, to her recent appointment to lead the US Agency for International Development, Samantha Power’s passion for human rights has shaped a remarkable career. Her story is an inspiring example of following your purpose and making a difference in the world.

7. All We Can Save: Truth, Courage. and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson

This anthology of women’s writings on climate change is an urgent, uplifting call to action. Showcasing the importance of community, creativity and compassion to heal our planet, it is brimming with a diversity of ideas and perspectives that are often missing from mainstream debates on climate change.

8. Stronger by Poorna Bell (coming in April 2021)

We can’t wait for this new book from award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell. Part memoir, part manifesto, it follows Poorna's journey to get physically strong after her husband’s death, challenging social norms about women, strength and fitness along the way. Even if deadlifting isn’t your thing, this book promises to help you discover what being strong means to you, and feel empowered to reach your goals.

9. The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates

As co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates is one of the most influential philanthropists on the planet and a committed advocate for investing in women and girls to build a better future. In her first book, she shares stories and lessons she’s learned over two decades traveling the world championing gender equality and working on global development issues.

10. How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi

In his electrifying memoir, historian Ibram X Kendi explains that when it comes to racism, neutrality is not an option: until we become part of the solution, we can only be part of the problem. As well as sharing his personal journey of awakening, Ibram offers a clear, accessible analysis of systemic racism and practical resources for taking action to build a more equitable society.

11. The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons from a Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones (coming in March 2021)

In her second book, acclaimed author, activist, speaker and podcast host Luvvie Ajayi Jones urges us to become professional troublemakers: people who are committed to not letting fear talk them out of the things they need to do or say. Perfect for cultivating a fearless mindset and blazing a brave new path.

12. The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity and My Fight Against the Islamic State by Nadia Murad

Nobel Peace Prize-winner Nadia Murad brought the plight of the Yazidi people to the world’s attention and laid bare the devastating impact of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Her courage, resilience and determination to bring justice to fellow survivors is truly inspirational.

If you are thinking about buying any of the books listed above from Amazon, make sure to use Amazon Smile and choose Women for Women International as your selected charity. We receive a 0.5% donation from the price you pay, at no extra cost to you.