At the heart of meaningful progress lies the recognition of women’s contributions in every sphere—social, cultural, economic, and political. Building a world that’s equitable and just demands women stepping into their roles as leaders, advocates, and change agents.
Each of us holds the power to foster inclusion, confront biases, and drive transformation in our own communities. By championing gender equality and advocating for cultural shifts, we can create spaces where everyone is empowered to lead with purpose.
In this spirit, we’ve curated a collection of 8 transformative leadership books authored by women. These works are packed with insights, strategies, and stories to encourage women—and anyone invested in creating change—to embrace leadership with courage and confidence.
- I Am Malala
Author: Malala Yousafzai
Why It Inspires: The youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate shares her journey of fighting for education against all odds, surviving a life-threatening attack, and becoming a global icon for peaceful protest.
Review: “The world must not allow Malala’s message to die.” — Dallas Morning News
Price: $20, or find secondhand
- Letter To My Daughter
Author: Maya Angelou
Why It Inspires: A heartfelt compilation of essays, written as advice and reflections on life, love, and resilience, dedicated to the daughter Maya Angelou never had.
Review: “Feels like warm advice from a beloved aunt or grandmother.” — Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star
Price: $17, or find secondhand
- In The Company Of Women
Author: Grace Bonney
Why It Inspires: Celebrates over 100 creative and entrepreneurial women, offering actionable advice and showcasing diverse paths to success.
Review: “Will spark courage to dream and the fortitude to make those dreams happen.” — Joanna Gaines
Price: $20, or find secondhand
- The Confidence Code
Authors: Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Why It Inspires: A guide for understanding and building confidence, tailored to empower women in both personal and professional spheres.
Review: “Fascinating reading for every woman who wants to take her life to the next level.” — Gretchen Rubin
Price: $20, or find secondhand
- Big Magic
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Why It Inspires: Offers wisdom and practical advice on embracing creativity and living a joyful, fearless life.
Review: “Remarkable… densely packed with pearls of wisdom.” — Yakima Herald
Price: $18, or find secondhand
- Daring Greatly
Author: Brené Brown
Why It Inspires: Challenges the myth that vulnerability is a weakness, showing how it fosters courage, belonging, and creativity.
Review: “We must be larger than anxiety, fear, and shame to show up.” — Harriet Lerner
Price: $19, or find secondhand
- Bad Girls Throughout History
Author: Ann Shen
Why It Inspires: Highlights 100 revolutionary women who broke barriers and challenged the status quo, beautifully illustrated with watercolor portraits.
Review: “A brilliant and inspiring read.” — Eileen Chai
Price: $20, or find secondhand
- Thrive
Author: Arianna Huffington
Why It Inspires: Advocates for redefining success beyond money and power, emphasizing well-being, compassion, and personal fulfillment.
Review: “Highly contagious content that sets you on a path to deep contentment.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
Price: $18, or find secondhand
Each of these books offers unique insights and inspiration, perfect for empowering women at any stage of life. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or practical advice, these books serve as a testament to the strength and vision of women leaders everywhere. Stay tuned for the full list to discover more empowering reads!
