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.
2. “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf
An extended essay, written like a narrative, discussing women writers and women in fiction.
3. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Set in the early 60s, it centres around black maids working in white households.
4. “#GirlBoss” by Sophia Amoruso
A look at how women can succeed despite insecurities and make their voices heard.
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.
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.
7. “This Bridge Called My Back” by Cherrie Moraga
An anthology focusing on the experiences of women of colour.
8. “Women and Gender in Islam” by Leila Ahmed
Contributes to the dialogue surrounding women and Islam taking a historical look at Islam.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14. “Fight Like a Girl” by Clementine Ford
Focuses on the gender inequalities of today and inspires women to fight against them.
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.