5 books to help you fight gender inequality
Gender inequality is not unique to the world of whisky; it’s an issue affecting the whole world. Further your knowledge and understand how you can make a change with these five must-read books.
Most of us are aware there’s a gender equity gap in the workplace, and within society in general. Women work the same hours, take on the bulk of housework and are expected to be primary caregivers for their children, all for less pay than their male counterparts. Then, on top of the additional labour, women are also more likely to be patronised and overlooked.
And yet, numerous studies have shown that female equity and empowerment can improve life for everyone, men included.
So what can we do about it? These five book recommendations will help you make sense of the inequality that exists for women – in the workplace, at home and in society. They provide an illuminating insight into how the world around us is systemically working against the progression of women (the World Economic Forum estimates it will take 135.6 years to close the gender pay gap), why unchecked unconscious bias is preventing progress, and how female equity and empowerment can improve life for everyone, men included.
As well as drawing on fascinating case studies and factual reports, expect to discover practical advice for how to be a more inclusive leader and ally, and how to make small changes that can have a huge impact.
So whether you’re in management, involved in your company’s D&I programme or simply interested in furthering your own education, take note of our recommendations for must-read books about gender inequality.
Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates
Philanthropist and entrepreneur Melinda Gates has spent decades working with women all over the world, from victims of child marriage to girls fighting for education and mothers seeking access to contraceptives. In her honest and often vulnerable first book, Gates reflects on her journey through the illuminating stories of the inspiring women she’s met. Equipped with hard data and real world tales, she discovers that the key to making a positive difference in communities around the world lies in the inclusion, equity and empowerment of women.
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez
From public transport routes to piano keys and the size of our jeans’ pockets, the world we live in has been designed without women in mind. Systems, technological innovations, even clothing, have been historically designed by men, for men, and in doing so exclude half the world’s population. In her groundbreaking book, Caroline Criado Perez exposes the gender data gap that’s at the root of systemic discrimination against women, and which has an invisible yet wide-reaching effect on women’s lives. Using a range of case studies from around the world, Perez makes a provocative case for why change is vital.
Work Like A Woman: A Manifesto for Change, by Mary Portas
Retail guru Mary Portas is calling for a revolution in the workplace. Women today are working in a patriarchal culture that’s detrimental to their progress and business health. Through the story of her own career, Portas examines the common traps holding women back, from unhealthy girl boss culture to combining a career with motherhood and workplace bullying. She also touches on progressive solutions to practical issues like flexible working, parental leave and equal pay. This is a manifesto for change, and a book that will prove a fascinating read for aspiring young women and experienced executives alike.
The Authority Gap: Why Women are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men and What We Can Do About It, by Mary Ann Sieghart
You’ll be aware of the gender pay gap, which still prevails in many companies and industries across the world, but are you familiar with the authority gap? Mary Ann Sieghart has drawn on data and academic studies to uncover how women are belittled, undermined, questioned, mocked and talked over in personal and professional spaces. Much of the behaviour is informed by unconscious bias, with both men and women bearing the guilt. Through interviews with leading women such as Hillary Clinton and Julia Gillard, she asks questions about deep rooted social conditioning and discrimination that have held women back, and sets out changes that are needed at individual, organisational and legislative levels to eradicate bias. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding more about gender bias and working toward a more equitable world.
Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking, by Matthew Syed
Matthew Syed’s factual yet entertaining book is less about gender equality and more an examination of the huge and wide-ranging benefits of diversity of thought. Rather than focus on the diversity of our gender, appearance or sexual orientation, characteristics that are often reduced to checkboxes, he illustrates through fascinating real-world examples how embracing our unique experiences and interests can lead to enhanced creativity, connection, problem-solving and effective collaborations. This is a vital read for team leaders, HR departments and any organisation running a diversity and inclusion programme.
