14 Bold Feminist Writers from Around the World & Their Books

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women’s achievements, reflect on the progress made and recognise the work still needed to achieve gender equality. Literature plays a key role in this conversation, as feminist writers have long used their words to challenge societal norms and uplift women’s voices.

The following is a list of feminist writers from around the world whose work is perfect to read for International Women’s Day and beyond. Their works shed light on the struggles, triumphs and complexities of being a woman in a world that often silences or marginalises them.

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I’ve included Amazon links to each book, but you can also read where to get e-books and audiobooks for free and how to listen to audiobooks on Spotify for alternatives. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for other digital versions.)

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1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)

Notable Works: We Should All Be Feminists, Americanah, Half of a Yellow Sun

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has become one of the most prominent feminist voices of our time. Her essay We Should All Be Feminists became a global call to action, advocating for a modern, inclusive definition of feminism.

Adichie’s novels, such as Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun, address issues of race, identity, gender, and the experience of women in post-colonial societies. Her writing powerfully challenges the traditional boundaries placed on women, urging them to be bold in the face of adversity.

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2. Simone de Beauvoir (France)

Notable Works: The Second Sex, She Came to Stay

Simone de Beauvoir, a pioneering French philosopher and writer, is often considered one of the foundational figures in feminist theory.

Her book The Second Sex is a cornerstone of feminist literature, exploring the history of women’s oppression and laying the groundwork for existential feminist thought. de Beauvoir’s profound insights into gender roles, freedom, and identity remain a crucial reference in feminist discourse to this day.

Read Next: 5 Amazing Books Set in France, Plus 6 More Set in Paris

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3. Toni Morrison (United States)

Notable Works: Beloved, The Bluest Eye, Sula

Toni Morrison, one of America’s most celebrated novelists, used her powerful storytelling to explore the intersections of race, gender, and social justice. She was the first (and at present, is still the only) black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Morrison’s work often centers on the experiences of Black women, giving voice to their struggles and resilience.

In novels like Beloved, Sula, and The Bluest Eye, Morrison confronts difficult topics like identity, trauma, and the societal forces that shape women’s lives. Her writing offers a deeply feminist lens on the experiences of marginalized groups.

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4. Nawal El Saadawi (Egypt)

Notable Works: Woman at Point Zero, The Hidden Face of Eve, The Fall of the Imam

Nawal El Saadawi was an Egyptian feminist writer and activist whose work highlighted the oppression of women in both Arab society and the broader global context. Through novels like Woman at Point Zero, Saadawi’s writing critiques the role of patriarchy and religious institutions in subjugating women.

Her powerful prose encourages resistance to cultural norms and challenges oppressive power structures. El Saadawi’s work remains vital in the fight for women’s rights in the Middle East and beyond.

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5. Margaret Atwood (Canada)

Notable Works: The Handmaid’s Tale, Alias Grace, The Blind Assassin

Canadian author Margaret Atwood is renowned for her feminist themes, particularly in her dystopian classic The Handmaid’s Tale, which portrays a future where women’s rights are stripped away, and their bodies become the property of a totalitarian regime.

Atwood’s writing often explores themes of power, autonomy, and the complex relationships between men and women. Her works encourage readers to reflect on the ways in which society has shaped gender roles and the impact of patriarchy on women’s lives.

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6. Arundhati Roy (India)

Notable Works: The God of Small Things, Field Notes on Democracy, Capitalism: A Ghost Story

Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy became an international literary sensation with her debut novel The God of Small Things, which addresses themes of caste, family, love, and gender in post-colonial India.

Roy’s feminist views are woven throughout her fiction and non-fiction works, where she critiques the social and political systems that perpetuate inequality. Her focus on the plight of women in India—especially in the context of caste and societal oppression—provides a critical feminist perspective on the global stage.

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7. Mariama Bâ (Senegal)

Notable Works: So Long a Letter, Scarlet Song

Mariama Bâ, a Senegalese author, is best known for her novel So Long a Letter, which is a poignant feminist exploration of a woman’s emotional and personal transformation after her husband’s second marriage.

The book is an insightful critique of traditional gender roles in West African society and provides a voice to women who are often silenced. Through her honest portrayal of marriage, motherhood, and personal struggle, Bâ’s work continues to inspire feminists around the world.

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8. Bell Hooks (United States)

Notable Works: Feminism Is for Everybody, All About Love, Ain’t I a Woman?

Bell Hooks was an American scholar, cultural critic, and feminist theorist whose work spans topics like race, gender, and media. Her influential book Feminism Is for Everybody serves as an accessible introduction to feminist theory, emphasizing the importance of feminist thought for creating a more just and equitable society.

Hooks’ other works, including Ain’t I a Woman? and All About Love, are essential feminist texts that bridge academic analysis and everyday experiences of women’s lives.

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9. Roxane Gay (United States)

Notable Works: Bad Feminist, Hunger, An Untamed State

Roxane Gay is a contemporary feminist writer whose work interrogates race, body image, gender, and identity. In Bad Feminist, Gay combines sharp cultural commentary with a personal exploration of her own feminism, offering a nuanced and often humorous perspective.

Her memoir Hunger delves deeply into her struggles with body image and trauma, revealing the complexities of being a woman in a world that demands conformity to narrow beauty ideals.

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10. Julia de Burgos (Puerto Rico)

Notable Works: Poemas exactos (Exact Poems), Canción de la verdad sencilla (Song of the Simple Truth)

Julia de Burgos was a Puerto Rican poet and activist whose work was ahead of its time. In her poetry, she explored themes of identity, liberation, and the importance of social justice, including women’s rights and racial equality. Her poetry was deeply feminist, and she is regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s most influential literary figures.

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11. Sally Morgan (Australia)

Notable Works: My Place

Sally Morgan is an Australian Aboriginal writer whose work has been essential in shedding light on the experiences of Indigenous women. In her memoir My Place, Morgan explores her identity as an Aboriginal woman and the legacy of colonization, while emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s cultural heritage.

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12. Fumiko Hayashi (Japan)

Notable Works: The Waiting Years

Fumiko Hayashi was a Japanese writer who depicted the hardships faced by women in post-war Japan. Her works often explore women’s roles in marriage, family, and society. Her novel The Waiting Years is a poignant reflection on women’s endurance and the oppressive norms of her time.

I included this book in my list of great Japanese novels available in English.

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13. Patricia Grace (New Zealand)

Notable Works: Potiki, Cousins

Patricia Grace is one of New Zealand’s most important indigenous writers, and her works often center around the lives of Maori women. Through novels like Potiki and Cousins, Grace explores the intersection of gender and indigenous identity, highlighting the resilience and agency of Maori women.

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14. Gabriela Mistral (Chile)

Notable Works: Desolación (Desolation), Ternura (Tenderness)

Gabriela Mistral was the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her poetry expresses deep emotions, love for children, and empathy toward the suffering of women. Mistral’s works often critique social injustice and speak to the strength and vulnerability of women.

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More Feminist Writers

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, these feminist writers from around the world offer invaluable insights into the complexities of women’s experiences.

Through their works, they have challenged societal norms, fought for justice, and elevated the voices of women in both their personal and universal struggles. Reading their stories is a powerful way to reflect on the progress that has been made and to inspire further change for gender equality.

Are there any other writers you would add to this list? I would love to hear about them, so please drop a comment below.

More Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them

For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.