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9 Books About Women's Protests That Will Make You Want To Pick Up A Placard & March

by Lauren Sharkey

March 6, 2020

A young female with an afro hair, sitting at the kitchen table and reading a book about the history ...

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With Sunday, March 8 marking International Women's Day, now is the perfect time to update your bookshelf with some feminist titles. Girl boss tomes and quote-filled reads have overtaken the publishing world in recent years, but don't overlook rich writing that explores hard-hitting women's issues. If you're looking to get stuck in, here's a few books to help you learn more about women protesting. After all, it's by returning to the past that we can hope to succeed in the future.

These titles not only chart the history of women's fights, but explore how modern-day women have taken up the torch. From the Suffragettes' militant tactics to Irish women's imprisonment and Indian political movements, you'll learn how women throughout the ages have fuelled fury into tangible action. Contemporary tales of wisdom, meanwhile, delve into the Arab Spring, Russian group Pussy Riot's battle, and the record-breaking 2017 Women's March.

Whether you're part of a pre-existing organisation or dream of setting on the campaign trail alone, the following books will illuminate the many meanings of protesting. Learn from activists' successes and failures, and use their strategies to combat discrimination in your local area and beyond. Because when women band together, they really can change the world.

'Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger' by Rebecca Traister

'Rise Up Women!: The Remarkable Lives of the Suffragettes' by Diane Atkinson

The right to vote in the UK was one of the most important fights in women's history. This campaign tells the tales of the women involved, from those who marched on Downing Street to those who took a more militant approach.

'The Unfinished Revolution: Voices from the Global Fight for Women's Rights'

'No Ordinary Women: Irish Female Activists in the Revolutionary Years 1900-1923' by Sinead McCoole

Ireland's revolutionary history can often be forgotten in the nearby UK. But hordes of 20th century Irish women were locked up for their political beliefs and protests. Learn about who they were and what they did to fight for freedom in this vivid read.

'Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes at the Protest Heard Around the World' by the Women's March organisers

'Words Will Break Cement: The Passion of Pussy Riot' by Masha Gessen

Eight years ago, five women wearing balaclavas began an impromptu punk performance in a Moscow cathedral. A 40-second song sent three of the women to prison, and transformed their Pussy Riot collective into a global name. Author Masha Gessen takes readers on a journey to understand the importance of this particular Russian protest and the legacy it left behind.

'The Art of Protest' by Jo Rippon

Navigate the world's protests from the early 20th century up until the modern day, and see just how big of a part women played in not only their own liberation, but the rights of others.

'Fields Of Protest: Women's Movement in India' by Raka Ray

'Freedom Is A Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement' by Angela Y. Davis

Black feminism and prison abolitionism are just two threads woven into this book. Linking historical examples to modern movements in Palestine, Ferguson, and beyond, Angela Y. Davis sends a strong message about human freedom. (Naturally, women play a central role.)