The United Nations (UN) theme for International Women's Day on March 8th 2025 is "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment".
One of the UN Women's Empowerment Principles is to "treat all women and men fairly at work..."
Yet,
On a global scale, women earn only 77 cents for every dollar men make. UN
The gender pay gap is not merely a "women’s issue"—it represents an economic and social failure. The fundamental causes of the gender pay gap—occupational segregation, caregiving penalties, and workplace bias—require systemic solutions. For example, why do women tend to be underestimated, and why is being a Likeable Badass a worthy goal that can only help your next salary negotiation?
➡️ Check out our article, Top 10 Negotiation Skills: Gender Pay Equity, for practical tips.
Knowledge is power.
We've compiled a list of books every woman should read. These are not self-help books for women. They are for women in their 20s and beyond.
However, these are not just books for women. Men gain from updating their negotiation toolkit and recognising how gender influences advancement in the workplace. These insights range from educational to very practical, such as how to invest money.
📚These would make book club books for women and books for men.
Top 7 Books on Women's Empowerment
Girls Just Wanna Have Funds - A Feminist Guide to Investing: Camilla Falkenberg, Emma Due Bitz and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen
Even the title is a bit of a winner! As a working-class kid, I knew nothing about investing. This book is a general introduction to all things finance and is written by the founders of the excellent Female Invest platform. Did you know that a 10% pay gap alone can lead to approximately 38% less wealth by age 65? Research finds that women are much more likely to be advised to save, whereas men are advised to invest. All of this exacerbates the Gender Wealth Gap and the Gender Pension Gap.
How Women Rise: Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
The authors identify 12 habits hindering women's career advancement. This book doesn't aim to fix women to fit into male-dominated environments. It highlights workplace challenges stemming from societal expectations and self-critical mindsets, leading to women's reluctance to claim achievements and the perfectionism trap. Highly recommended for all genders to understand these dynamics and help anyone with similar self-limiting beliefs.
Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve by Alison Fragale
I've been recommending this book as my top pick for 2024. Fragale blends behavioral science with practical strategies for women navigating power dynamics, showing they can be both likeable and assertive. The book offers relatable stories and actionable advice, encouraging women to embrace their strengths and foster authentic leadership while breaking traditional barriers.
Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want: Damali Peterman
One size does not fit all with negotiation. Peterman is a lawyer, mediator, and CEO of Breakthrough ADR, with two decades of experience in alternative dispute resolution and a lived experience as the only black woman in the room. Peterman brings the much-needed nuance and a practical framework that acknowledges we are in a multicultural world where biases impact decisions.
Never Spilt the Difference: Chris Voss
I once changed jobs at a lower salary than my previous job on a promise of a quick promotion and salary increase. That did not happen. I lost my prime negotiating edge. I wish I had this book! Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss is a compelling and practical guide to negotiation, drawing from the author's experience as a former FBI hostage negotiator. This offers great insights and techniques applicable to high-stakes situations and everyday workplace interactions.
The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously than Men, and What We Can Do About It by Mary Ann Sieghart
I talk and write about my experience in Woman Leaders: Being the Only, and this book shares the research that backs up my experience. Through data and interviews with influential women, sieghart reveals biases undermining women's authority in professional settings. She illustrates systemic sexism in everyday interactions, such as frequent interruptions and skepticism about expertise. This book is essential for leaders, highlighting challenges and offering strategies to bridge the authority gap, empowering women to assert leadership confidently.
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know: Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Kay is a British-Swiss journalist, author and broadcaster, and Shipman is an American television journalist. Their book dives into the world of confidence, revealing why women often struggle with self-assurance in the workplace. They argue that there is a confidence gap between men and women, despite similar levels of competence, due to upbringing and societal expectations. Confidence isn't about being fearless; it's about taking action despite fear. They provide practical tips like embracing imperfection and self-compassion.
Conclusion
From empowering women in leadership to assisting with compensation negotiations, these Books on Women's Empowerment for all genders were chosen because I found them insightful and appreciated the practical strategies for everyday and significant negotiations regarding pay and compensation.
➡️ Interested in Leadership Development?
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