half the sky
“Four men dragged her, screaming and pleading, into an empty stable next to a meeting area…Once home, she prepared to do what any Pakistani peasant woman would normally do in that situation: kill herself.”
Half the Sky; Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, written by the Pulitzer prize winning couple Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, is not a book for the faint hearted! It is a compilation of some horrifying true stories used to unashamedly jolt readers into action to address the oppression of women.
Although it makes for a heavy read and delves into some rather sickening individual anecdotes, Half the Sky is also an inspiring narrative of how women, with a little support, can overcome their adversity and create great positive change within their communities.
The book outlines the complicated nature of addressing the mistreatment of women globally, particularly when it’s deeply entrenched in the culture of developing (and developed) nations. Education (of both sexes) is highlighted throughout the book, as being the key to empowering females and progressing women’s rights around the world.
If you want to experience a rollercoaster read filled with stomach churning lows and inspirational, invigorating highs of human courage, you should definitely take time to immerse yourself in the pages of this powerful book!
The Intrepid Foundation – travellers making a difference
For another insight into the plight of girls around the world in the 21st century, you can view the film trailer for the planned documentary I Am A Girl. The Intrepid Foundation is proud to have sponsored the first phase of the making of a compelling documentary, because our hope is that films such as this can start a conversation and influence positive change.
If a favourite book has inspired you to travel or simply makes for great reading while on the road, please email intrepidexpress@intrepidtravel.com – let us know a little of what it’s about plus an indication of the size, as we would love to hear your recommendation for a great backpack book!
You can check out other recommendations from Intrepid Express readers by clicking on the ‘books for your backpack’ travel theme in this blog or seeing the latest book reviews on the Intrepid travel website.
* photo by Natasha Dubauskas-Reed – Intrepid Photography Competition
Just reading this myself, very very inspiring and powerful