The Woman from Tantura by Radwa Ashour (2010)
The Woman from Tantura tells the story of Palestinian women and their special roles and struggles at a time of colonisation. The protagonist Ruqaya, now 70, provides testimonies of her life starting from her own family being ethnically cleansed from their village as it was massacred by Zionist militias to make way for establishing the State of Israel. The history of the colonisation of Palestine seems to be humanised by one woman writing a personal multigenerational epic of continuous displacement, family separation, and death. The Palestinian struggle found its way into the author’s personal life as she was separated from her Palestinian husband after he was exiled from Egypt in the 1970s, which gives the storytelling a profound personal authenticity.
Alice Paul: Claiming Power by Amelia R. Fry and J. D. Zahniser (2014)
This book focuses on Alice Paul, who was a leading USA women’s rights activist and suffragist, she played a key role in securing the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Known for her bold tactics, she also founded the National Woman's Party and was a driving force behind the push for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). I think people need to remember figures like Alice Paul and remember how much they stood up for women’s rights, especially while countries and political figures are threatening to get rid of them at the moment.
The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank
Anne Frank's writing is so simple and direct, yet it hits you with so much emotional force. I’m always left in awe of her courage and wisdom at such a young age. Her words are a timeless testament to hope in the darkest of times.
I Want a Solution (1975)
Few films have created as much controversy in Egyptian society as “I want a Solution” did. Based on true events, the film tells the story of Doria, who spends four years in and out of court in a hopeless struggle to divorce her abusive husband, whom his status as a former diplomat from an aristocratic background allows to abuse already unjust laws to prevent his wife from divorcing him. Through its depiction of the deep injustice embedded within Family Law at the time, the film eventually led to a return to Islamic laws governing divorce, allowing a woman to divorce her husband in front of a judge without oppressive barriers.
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures tells the story of three African American women; Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson who worked at NASA during the 1960s and played a crucial role in America’s success in the Space Race against the Soviet Union. Set against the backdrop of racially segregated 1960s America, the film highlights themes of sisterhood and solidarity as the women navigate and challenge the barriers of a male-dominated field.
Dangal (2016)
This film gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. Knowing that it’s based on the real-life story of the Phogat sisters makes it so much more powerful. It’s an incredible story of breaking barriers and an inspiring tribute to the strength and determination of women.
Praying (Kesha)
Kesha’s 2017 single praying is a testimony to her strength, courage and resilience in the face off an ongoing campaign of sexual and emotional abuse from her former record producer. The song struck chords around the world and became prominent within the #Metoo movement highlighting flawed elements of the music industry in protecting abusers. Kesha received a wave of support and solidarity from within the industry following its release as shown through her 2018 Grammys performance when she was joined on stage by several other women from within the industry as an act of solidarity.
Singappenney" (Bigil)
This song feels like an anthem. It carries a sense of pride and power in every single word, celebrating the resilience and strength of women. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to stand up and cheer.
You Don't Own Me by Lesley Gore (1963)
Even though this song was released over 60 years ago this song is still very prominent in today’s society. I find it very upsetting that in 2025 that the messaging is still being ignored by many and in fact women are losing their rights all over the globe.
Shireen Abu Akleh
Shireen Abu Akleh was one of the most prominent figures in Arab journalism for more than two decades. She worked as a journalist for Al Jazeera, becoming a regular guest in many Arab households’ TV screens for her coverage of Israeli occupation in Palestine. On the 11th of May 2022, Shireen was killed by a direct Israeli gunshot while clearly wearing a blue press vest and helmet as she covered an Israeli raid on the Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank. Israeli forces later attacked the pallbearers at her funeral with batons and stun grenades. Nobody has been held accountable for Shireen’s murder to this day. Lest we forget her martyrdom.
Heather Booth ‘The Jane Collective’ (1945 - present)
Heather Booth set up ‘The Jane Collective’ from the year 1969- 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. This was originally created when Heather helped her friend’s sister obtain a safe illegal abortion. This then expanded to the organisation which achieved an estimated of over 11,000 abortions, and this work resulted in no reports of abortion-related deaths. Ultimately several women who were part of this collective were arrested although were released when abortions were made legal. This bravery meant that woman got healthcare which they otherwise would not have received and would have affected their lives (or life). Abortions will still happen whether it is legal or not- it just determines whether they are safe or not.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is truly one of the most inspiration artists of our generation, Gagas versatility from pop music, to films, activism and presenting is nothing short of outstanding. Gaga challenged the norms of pop culture and what it meant to be a woman in the industry through her artistry and fashion. Her activism around LGBTQ rights, climate justice and racial equality has been instrumental with the ‘Born this way’ foundation supporting generations of young queer people. Mother Monster will always be an icon, a legend and an inspiration to many.