It's International Women's Day, but there are ways to celebrate and honor yourself (and the women in your life) all year long!
- Support women-owned businesses by patronizing and promoting them!
Check out No More Secrets, a non-profit organization led by Lynette Medley. She began a campaign to end period poverty after discovering that menstrual inequality was an issue happening in her own neighborhood. Prior to the pandemic, The Free Library partnered with NMS and was a drop-off site for those who wanted to donated things like pads, tampons, and other products. Learn more about her organization and how you can help!
- Learn about local, national, or international legislation that directly impacts women and girls.
- Remember to celebrate transwomen as well. Include trans, genderqueer/non-binary people in your research and discussions.
- Do something nice for yourself or the women around you. You should actually start with this!
- And of course, you can read a book, watch a film, or listen to music by and about incredible women. I've included some suggestions below.
My Sister by Selenis Leyva and Marizol Leyva
A powerful, honest memoir by two sisters—one a star on Orange Is the New Black, one a trans woman and activist—about transitioning, family, allyship, and the path to self-realization.
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education written by Raphaële Frier; illustrated by Aurélia Fronty
Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban and fought for the right for all girls to receive an education. When she was just fifteen-years-old, the Taliban attempted to kill Malala, but even this did not stop her activism. At age eighteen Malala became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work to ensure the education of all children around the world.
Aside from being a brilliant piece of work, this was the first time in hip-hop history that a woman produced, wrote, and performed on every song. Boss!
Yeah, that's right. I put Courtney Love on my Women's Day list. Don't try to fight me on this. Say what you want about her, but her band Hole is incredible and even better live. This album includes songs about tabloid drama, love, and even postpartum depression. She's loud, messy, and talented—I love it. And no, she did not kill Kurt Cobain or break up Nirvana.
An in-depth look at the life and work of Cherokee Nation chief, Wilma Mankiller, who overcame rampant sexism and personal challenges to emerge as the Cherokee Nation's first woman Principal Chief in 1985.
I have to admit, I don't always "get" art. However, something about Marina is so fascinating, you can't help but watch what she does and not look away. Seductive, fearless, and outrageous, Marina Abramovic has been redefining what art is for nearly 40 years. Using her own body as a vehicle, pushing herself beyond her limits and at times risking her life in the process she creates performances that challenge, shock, and move us.
Search our catalog for more curated lists of books, films, and music that celebrate women like Philadelphia Women Artists and Writers, Women's History Films. Picture Books, and Women's Rights, to name just a few!
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