1. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
An early piece among American feminist works that concerns the 19th century views surrounding women’s health.
Â
2. “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf
An extended essay, written like a narrative, discussing women writers and women in fiction.
Â
3. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Set in the early 60s, it centres around black maids working in white households.
Â
4. “#GirlBoss” by Sophia Amoruso
A look at how women can succeed despite insecurities and make their voices heard.
Â
5. “Stone Butch Blues” by Leslie Feinberg
A look at gender transformation and exploration through the struggles of a protagonist coming out as a butch lesbian.
Â
6. “Sex Workers Unite! A History of the Movement from Stonewall to Slutwalk” by Melinda Chateauvert
A historical look at sex workers and social justice movements.
Â
7. “This Bridge Called My Back” by Cherrie Moraga
An anthology focusing on the experiences of women of colour.
Â
8. “Women and Gender in Islam” by Leila Ahmed
Contributes to the dialogue surrounding women and Islam taking a historical look at Islam.
Â
9. “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi
Based on a true story, a teacher in the Islamic Republic of Iran gathers with some of her female students to read forbidden classics.
Â
10. “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan
Often considered to have sparked the start of second-wave feminism in the States, this outlines a study into the unhappiness of women as housewives.
Â
11. “Ain’t I A Woman” by Bell Hooks
A look into the effects of racism and sexism on black women, and the exclusivity of feminist movements to the white middle and upper class.
Â
12. “Fear of Flying” by Erica Jong
Helping to play a role in the development of second-wave feminism, this piece is characterized by its unbashful and raw portrayal of female sexuality.
Â
13. “Sisters in Spirit” by Sally Roesch Wagner
A look at the struggle for equality made by women in the States and the influence Native American women had.
Â
14. “Fight Like a Girl” by Clementine Ford
Focuses on the gender inequalities of today and inspires women to fight against them.
Â
15. “The Face Behind the Veil” by Donna Gehrke-White
Looks at the inner workings of Muslim women in the States and their everyday lives.