International Women’s Day 2024
London Feminist Book Club’s blog for International Women’s Day
It’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, we are a feminist book club, and we’ve just launched a new blog space on our website.
Put the three together, and you’ve got yourself a brand-new blog for International Women’s Day, with responses from our gorgeous book club community.
The theme for this year’s IWD is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, and on their website they said:
“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.”
Because of this, we wanted to hear our book club community’s response to the theme. We asked them four questions and their responses were all we ever wanted, and so much more. We hope you enjoy reading their responses, have the best International Women’s Day, and we will see you at one of our book clubs / author events or socials very soon!
Here’s what we asked:
Can you tell us about a book that you have read (or an author) where you have felt that there was a theme of inclusion, where the book empowered you, or gave you a sense of belonging?
Can you tell us about a place in your area (let us know the area) where you feel a sense of community or belonging?
Tell us your top tip for feeling empowered - it could be listening to Beyonce at full volume, finishing 20 minutes of yoga, or a Saturday evening at your favourite club dancing your socks off!
Your ideas on how we create a more inclusive world for women
Here’s what they told us:
Response from South London co-host and member, Joelle
I always find myself returning to ‘What a Time to Be Alone’ by Chidera Eggerue (AKA The Slumflower) because it’s a brilliant example of a book that truly empowers readers to embrace and fully choose themselves unapologetically and wholly, whether they are partnered or not. She writes with not just one kind of woman in mind with a real tenderness that I hadn’t seen in a long time in other books.
I was born in South London and have lived in various towns within it for most of my life. I have been living in Lambeth for close to a decade and find real solace in a number of libraries in the area. I can just zone out to get work done but also admire the architecture and people watch too. I also like to attend author events to support local talent and uplift their work, which provides me with a great sense of joy.
Always remember who the f**k you are. Regardless of your status or circumstance, there’s power in your name and you need to tell yourself that out loud every day. No one can take you for a dickhead when you’re sure of yourself.
A good start would be to stop seeing Black, brown, trans and disabled women as Other or an afterthought. Bringing everyone to the table in a non-performative manner is the only way of achieving our shared goal of being seen and heard in a genuinely inclusive world! I’d also say never stop being curious and always ask questions.
Finally, It’s super important to read outside of your comfort zone and ask yourself why you don’t read or listen to certain podcasts by women who don’t look like you or have a different background.
Response from our board member and founder of The Girl Lab, Nikki
I loved the book 'Untamed' by Glennon Doyle. She writes about the role of women, how we see ourselves and the ways we conform to a society that doesn't work for anyone. It ignited something in me that led to me creating a new project for children and young people called, The Spark Movement.
I think the greatest sense of belonging comes from being with people who are on my wavelength, rather than being in a specific place. It's all about community, and I think that the more we can be our authentic selves, the more we align with people who are similar to us, and feel that sense of belonging. I run events for changemakers in my hometown of Cardiff and always feel a huge sense of community in those spaces.
My top tip for feeling empowered is to listen to your gut and act on it. It feels scary at first, but the more I do, the more it works out, the more I feel empowered by my own knowing and self-belief. That, and playing the new Kylie tracks at top volume!
Start with young people. Remove the gender stereotypes from children's toys and books, educate young people about gender roles, allow kids to be who and what they want to be, and eventually this will create a more inclusive world for all.
Response from South London member, Shivani
I read ‘Women Don’t Owe You Pretty’ by Florence Given a few years ago. This book addresses outdated narratives and empowers you to rewrite your story. Throughout the book, Florence takes you on a journey of self-discovery that talks about setting new boundaries, embracing your worth and ditching the negativity. It’s a book that really focuses on loving yourself and ditching the idea that you owe anyone anything, particularly men, especially when it comes to beauty standards.
I have lived in Brixton for over seven years and Brixton Village Market is a place where you feel a strong sense of community, it’s a lively street market with lots of restaurants that are popular with a range of different communities, selling Caribbean, African, South American, and other international cuisines. It’s a great place to enjoy lots of delicious food and experience such a welcoming atmosphere.
Going to spin classes with some of the great female friends that I am lucky to have in my life and a few weeks ago I went to a themed class that played one of my favourite female music artists, Jorja Smith and I left feeling 10/10 and really empowered!
Empower the women in your life, whether that be at work, your family, or your friends. Show up for them, support them, empower them and celebrate them!
Response from Sheffield book club member member, Olivia
‘Friendaholic’ by Elizabeth Day made me feel empowered in my friendships and gave me a framework to understand the pattern some of them had followed so that I could view them in a different way. It also empowered me to set boundaries where there hadn't been any for too long.
Wood's Fitness in Walkley, Sheffield – a community gym with small class sizes and people of all ages/abilities/walks of life, plus a very kind and understanding instructor. It's the complete opposite of every intimidating, glamorous London gym class I've ever been to and every time I go it helps me feel strong, capable, less stressed and more confident in connecting with other people.
Finishing a 10K run or half-marathon – I've only done a handful of them but I've never felt more powerful or indestructible than when crossing the finish line.
Mandatory free childcare provision in medium-large company offices/buildings. The burden of childcare still falls predominantly to women, even after their maternity leave finishes. Free childcare provision would enable and empower women to return to work after maternity leave without the financial impact of paying for childcare, stressful nursery waiting lists, and strict drop-off/pick-up times. It would also enable breastfeeding mothers to return to work sooner if they want to, and allow time to connect with their child(ren) during the day.
Response from North London co-host and member, Emily
When I reflect on the books I've read, one title that always comes to mind is ‘Mrs Hemingway’ by Naomi Wood. This book is a beautifully written and captivating autobiographical exploration of the interconnected lives of those associated with Ernest Hemingway. It is narrated by his wives themselves, giving them a voice to tell their stories. The book showcases how love and loss can shape and uncover the bonds of women, even in the most unique and unusual circumstances.”
For me this will always be Crouch End. I like to think of it as a tiny slice of eclectic charm. It’s small, cosy, and independent from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. It’s life is generated through small businesses, uniquely blending culture and amenities. It has, for a number of years now, helped me heal throughout some of the darker points of my life. I feel very lucky to be able to call it home.
I know it may sound cliché, but there is nothing quite like dressing up in something fabulous. I consider personal style to be a wonderful way of expressing myself without words. It allows me to communicate how I'm feeling in my body and how I'm relating to the world around me. Whether I'm drowning myself in diverse charity shop garments or channeling my inner goth-inspired Jessica Rabbit, I can always rely on my fashion choices to invigorate and energize me. Whenever I am feeling low, deflated, or simply flat, my fashion choices empower me to reconnect with the world on my own terms.
Almost everything can be solved through the power of friendship. It allows us to open ourselves up to learning about others and their experiences. I believe it is the solution to almost anything, and the key to entwining our lived experiences with one another.
Response from book club member and employee of AllBright (our April Book Club partnership!), Lydia
Undoubtedly, ‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller. The writing is absolutely beautiful and a treat to read; I was so captured by Circe’s story. The retelling of Greek mythology, through a feminist lens, I found extremely empowering. I felt all emotions of love, independence, rage and forgiveness in the book!
I live in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I find a sense of community or belonging every weekend by visiting the local market on the high street. It’s great to people (and dog!) watch, and meet the local, independent sellers. I would also say Books on the Hill is a beautiful bookshop to tuck away into.
My top tip for feeling empowered is trying something new that is good for the soul (and finding comfort at being a bit sh*t at it)! It’s one of the reasons why I joined the book club, to push myself to go out and socialise independently, and meet like minded people. I’ve now just started taking tennis - I’m pretty awful, but I think that learning/growing, even if it’s just 1% more every time you do something new, is very empowering!
Call it out! However I acknowledge it’s not easy for everyone to do this, and it’s certainly a privileged position to take as a white woman.
But I’m a firm believer that it is my responsibility to call out unacceptable behaviours that exclude women and/or actively support those who are victim to it. To be inclusive, we must not be complicit.
Response from Bristol book club member, Kelly
Narrowing down to a single book is difficult but I was blown away by ‘The Color Purple’ and its exploration of female friendship. Shortly after, I read ‘Hello Beautiful’ and again was struck by the portrayal of female relationships, both the highs and lows.
I'm just outside Bristol in a small village and we are lucky to have a strong community vibe. Every month there is a community market with a pavement cafe and other stalls. It’s a chance to catch up with other villagers and is often an opportunity to collaborate or find out about other projects.
I like to be reminded of what my body can do, so a run or a gym session is great to physically feel empowered. When this is combined with learning something, whether that is a new skill or knowledge, you've got the best of both worlds.
Listen and repeat when a woman expresses a good idea. When it is shared widely, make sure the credit remains with the original woman.
If you would like to write a future blog for us, email us - londonfeministbookclubcic@gmail.com