Strong voices and new perspectives: reading tips

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we would like to draw your attention to a selection of current and relevant books that inspire, inform and make you think. The recommendations focus on a variety of topics. From intersectional feminism, protection against violence and social cohesion to the challenges of patriarchal structures. The titles offer a variety of perspectives and encourage discussion about current challenges and courageous solutions.

• Connecting instead of dividing - Gilda Sahebi

In her latest book, Gilda Sahebi analyzes the political and social division mechanisms of our time. She dispels common myths and prejudices and takes an intersectional view of topics such as migration, gender, wokeness and social cohesion. Gilda Sahebi shows why it is more important than ever to create connections instead of emphasizing opposites and how each individual can contribute to more togetherness.

• Feminist AI - Why artificial intelligence reinforces injustice and what we need to do about it - Eva Gengler

In her book, Eva Gengler sheds light on the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our lives, from consumption to job choice. She shows that AI is by no means neutral, but rather reproduces social power structures and prejudices and often disadvantages marginalized groups such as women* and people of color. She argues for an intersectional feminist approach that makes AI fair and uses it as a tool for empowerment and social justice.

• Raising sons as a feminist: An argument with myself - Shila Behjat

Shila Behjat describes personally and openly how, as a mother of two sons, she tries to reconcile feminist ideals with the demands of parenting on a daily basis. She questions her own thought patterns, describes everyday situations and invites constructive debate that encourages not only parents but everyone to reflect on equality and role models.

• Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism - Bell Hooks

This book is a feminist and anti-racist classic and particularly appropriate for Black History Month. Bell Hooks references Sojourner Truth and powerfully shows how Black women in the US were long excluded from the white feminist movement. She describes the profound effects of racism and sexism during and after slavery, analyzes stereotypes and social role models and makes it clear how Black women made a central contribution to the feminist movement despite all resistance.

• Wings for the butterfly: The day my life began anew - Ntailan Lolkoki

The author tells her moving life story: As a Maasai, she was circumcised as a child, which traumatized her for years and shaped her life in Germany. She only found a new zest for life and self-determination when she had the chance to undergo reoperation. Ntailan Lolkoki impressively shows how overcoming, courage and one's own creativity can help to come to terms with even the most difficult experiences such as female genital mutilation (FGM/C) and can thus give hope to others affected.

Do you prefer to listen to your books?

Many of the books are also available as audio books, for when you're on the move or for relaxed listening. But if you prefer to listen to podcasts, we recommend a new podcast:

"In the smock with..." by Stefanie Reis.

This podcast is all about the smock apron, an almost forgotten item of clothing that is closely associated with women's workwear and holds many memories, stories and cultural meanings. Stefanie Reis, cultural scientist and farmer's daughter, talks to people who have different perspectives on the smock apron. The conversations combine everyday culture, fashion history and the lives of women across generations.

The first season was sponsored by various foundations and the Women's Office of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck and offers interesting insights and previously untold stories about a piece of women's everyday life that tells much more than one might initially suspect.