Celebrating the Extraordinary: Women Who Inspire us on International Women's Day

As we approach International Women's Day on March 8th, Booxies, a female led company dedicated to empowering and celebrating women through literature, joins the global celebration. This year, we turn our focus towards the incredible women who inspire us with their dedication, passion, and contributions – both fictional and real-life.

This blog post serves as a tribute to these remarkable individuals, a platform to celebrate their journeys, and to amplify their voices. We'll explore the stories of women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future, both in the world around us and within the pages of our favorite books. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of womanhood, the power of storytelling, and embrace the collective action needed to create a more diverse and inclusive world. Let's honor the fictional heroines and real-life role models who inspire us every day.

Here at Booxies, we believe that stories have the power to empower and inspire. So, get ready to delve into the inspiring stories of women who have shaped the world through their actions, their voices, and their narratives.

• My Journey to The World Cup by Sam Kerr

We have no doubt that Sam Kerr and all The Matildas were the biggest inspiration in Australia's sport last year. We have never seen Australian united cheering for one team and one team only. The Matildas! These women inspired a nation and generations to come.in Sam Kerr's book My Journey to The World Cup, she talks about her story and incredible football journey that took her all the way to the FIFA world cup 2023. an edition updated with images and notes from FIFA women's world cup is guaranteed to inspire you to dream big and work hard. 

• The Girl Who Touched The Stars by Bonnie Hancock

One woman's inspiring true story of adventure, resilience and love

254 days, 12,700 kilometres, sea sickness, sharks, crocodiles and ocean. Bonnie Hancock broke numerous records on her fastest ever circumnavigation by paddle around Australia but that wasn't the achievement she is most proud of. Testing the limits of her mental and physical toughness, she learned what it means to overcome adversity and how important teamwork and perspective truly are. What looks distressing from the rocky shore or storm-tossed waves can be inspiring when you look to the heavens.

• Bright Shining by Julia Baird

Julia Baird is one of our favourite authors and journalist. What an inspiration to women and everyone. Her latest book, Bright Shining which is shortlisted for the 2024 Indie Book Awards , is a beautiful and timely exploration of that most mysterious but necessary of human grace. a luminously beautiful, deeply insightful and most timely exploration of grace.

 

• Strife by Mia Freedman

Who doesn't love a success story! Mia Freedman is the co-founder of the digital media sensation Mamamia. a fearless and inspiring memoir.

This book is for every woman who's been told success is as simple as Lean In, Say Yes, Live Your Best Life, Beat Your Fear, Follow Your Dream... and then feel #soblessed.

"Whenever women are honest about their struggles, they give other women a gift. Mia delivers." Elizabeth Gilbert

 

 

• Wifedom by Anna Funder

Compelling and utterly original, Wifedom speaks to the unsung work of women everywhere today, while offering a breathtakingly intimate view of one of the most important literary marriages of the 20th century. It is a book that speaks to our present moment as much as it illuminates the past.

• My Dream Time by Ash Barty

if we are not inspired by our own Ash Barty, I am not sure who will be able to inspire us! 
"My Dream Time is about finding the path to being the best I could be, not just as an athlete but as a person, and to consider the way those identities overlap and compete. We all have a professional and a personal self. How do you conquer nerves and anxiety? How do you deal with defeat, or pain? What drives you to succeed – and what happens when you do? The answers tell me so much, about bitter disappointments and also dreams realised – from injuries and obscurity and self-doubt to winning Wimbledon and ranking number 1 in the world.
My story is about the power and joy of doing that thing you love and seeing where it can take you, about the importance of purpose – and perspective – in our lives."

 

 

 

Fiction books about inspiring women, by inspiring women

• The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

One of the top feminist books out there! Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

 

• Prima Facie by Suzie Miller

This story will make you angry but it will stay with you for a long time. very powerful and impactful novel by Suzie Miller.
Based on the Olivier and Tony Award-winning play, Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie is an unforgettable story of what happens when a victim is asked to navigate a system that is not set up to accommodate the lived experience of sexual assault survivors.

 

 

We at Booxies encourage you to take this opportunity to celebrate the women who inspire you, whether it's by sharing their stories, supporting their dreams, or simply expressing your gratitude. Let's continue to champion the achievements of women and work together towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Happy International Women's Day!