Feminist books by Arab female authors

With International Women’s Day just around the corner, we couldn’t but remember the Arab feminists who never sit on the bench and watch, they have always made sure to let their voices reach the whole world.

Among those fierce warriors, we remember today those with the most outstanding feminist novels and books where some shared their stories and others went bold enough to break every obstacle just by writing.

Give this month some strong feminism vibes with the four books we love and appreciate, written by 4 champion feminists authors from the Arab world.

Superman is an Arab by Joumana Haddad

Strong, bold and daring are the three words that can describe this book. In this explosive book, Joumana Haddad, Lebanese  author, public speaker, journalist and women's rights activist, examines the patriarchal system that continues to dominate in the Arab world and beyond, and stands particularly against macho men who think they are supermen.

Hend and The Soldiers by Badriah El-Bishr

Badriyah El-Bishr is a multi-award-winning Saudi columnist and novelist who refuses to shy away from the taboos of the society. “Hend and the Soldiers“ tells the story of a young Saudi Arabian woman struggling to challenge her conservative society. After a failed arranged marriage to an army officer, she is determined to establish herself as a writer and make her own choices in love. As Hend engages with her mother, stories of her past and those of other female relatives reveal the extent of the suffering previous generations of women have endured while living in a patriarchal society.

Cinnamon by Samar Yazbeck

The Syrian writer and journalist Samar Yazbeck published her first novel Cinnamon in 2007. This book sheds light on the lives, struggles, and experiences of women, especially in terms of assault, extramarital affairs, homosexuality, and underage sex.

Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution by Mona El Tahawy

In her book Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution, Egyptian feminist, journalist, author, and public speaker Mona Eltahawy offers a look at how patriarchy in the Middle East is in every aspect of women's lives. The book highlights the importance of both social and sexual revolutions if progress in political revolutions is to be made.