Note: The content in this article discusses women’s contributions to history through literature and highlights powerful stories of resilience and change. While these works provide an inspiring look at the often overlooked role of women, some topics, such as health crises, systemic barriers, and historical inequities, may be sensitive for some readers. Please read with discretion.
Despite frequently not receiving the credit they merit, women have played crucial roles in forming the world throughout history. Notwithstanding obstacles, their efforts have had a lasting impact on a variety of domains, including politics, science, literature, and social transformation. Though their tales have frequently been ignored or forgotten, research indicates that communities flourish when women are empowered. Thinking back on these unsung individuals whose bravery, tenacity, and genius have altered the course of history—often in the background—is crucial as we continue to work toward gender equality. We look at several important literary works here that provide insight into their lasting influence.
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Spotlights Black Women Mathematicians at NASA
*Hidden Figures* by Margot Lee Shetterly is a powerhouse example. It spotlights the Black women mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped launch astronauts into space—yet history nearly erased them. Their brilliance defied both racial and gender barriers, proving that groundbreaking contributions often happen behind the scenes. This book doesn’t just celebrate women’s achievements; it rewrites history to give credit where it’s long overdue. It’s a must-read reminder that progress has always had women at its core, even when their names weren’t in the headlines.
Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose
Frances Perkins: Architect of Social Security
“The Woman Behind the New Deal” by Kirstin Downey tells the story of Frances Perkins, the first female U.S. Cabinet member and the driving force behind Social Security. She fought for fair wages, unemployment insurance, and workplace protections at a time when few took women in politics seriously. Her policies reshaped the American workforce and still impact millions today. She didn’t chase headlines, but her influence touched every working household. Honestly, every paycheck, labor law, and retirement plan owes something to her vision.
Erin Hendricks, President and Owner, Sammy’s Milk
Reflects Women’s Struggles and Triumphs
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker. It’s a book that not only tells the story of a woman’s strength in the face of adversity but also reflects women’s broader struggles and triumphs throughout time. The protagonist, Celie, goes through unimaginable hardship, but her story is one of growth, empowerment, and reclaiming her voice. What I love most is how it shows the importance of sisterhood and the bond between women—how they can lift each other, share wisdom, and help heal one another, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Throughout history, women have often had to fight for the recognition they deserve. This book captures that struggle and highlights the incredible power of women’s resilience and ability to find strength within themselves and their communities. It reminds us that women have always been at the forefront of change, even when society didn’t fully acknowledge their voices.
It’s incredibly impactful because Alice Walker doesn’t just focus on hardships; she also celebrates women’s joy, love, and transformative power when they take control of their own lives. This speaks to the heart of my belief—empowering women to stand confidently, embrace their strength, and live authentically. It’s a beautiful reminder of how far women have come and how much further we can go when we lift each other.
Daisy Cabral, Visionary Founder and CEO, Teami Blends
Challenges Medieval Views of Women
The best literary work for me is “The Book of the City of Ladies” by Christine de Pizan. It is one of the earliest feminist texts, written in 1405, and challenges the way women were portrayed in medieval literature. Christine de Pizan was a rare figure in her time, a professional writer who made a living from her work. She wrote this book as a direct response to the misogynistic views of male scholars and poets, proving that women had intelligence, strength, and valuable contributions to society.
This book matters because it was written in an era when women had almost no voice. She was one of the first women to publicly argue that women deserved education and respect. Her work laid the foundation for later feminist thought, long before movements for women’s rights even existed. It is a reminder that women have always contributed to history, even when their stories were ignored or erased.
Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast
Explores Barriers to Women’s Contributions
A literary work that profoundly captures women’s contributions to history is “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf. While not a traditional historical account, this extended essay explores the systemic barriers that kept women from fully participating in literature, academia, and the arts. Woolf argues that for women to create and contribute meaningfully, they need financial independence and personal space—both of which had long been denied to them.
What makes “A Room of One’s Own” so powerful is its timeless relevance. Woolf doesn’t just reflect on the struggles of women in the past; she challenges the reader to consider how these limitations continue to shape history and culture. Her exploration of forgotten female writers and the “anonymous” women behind major achievements reminds us that history is filled with unseen contributions. This work remains a rallying cry for recognizing and supporting women’s voices in every field.
Claudia Mora, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Richards-Wilcox Canada
Highlights Overlooked Women in Science
“Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World” is a great book that highlights the important but often overlooked contributions of women in science. It tells the stories of 50 women who made major breakthroughs in fields like math, physics, and environmental science, all while featuring colorful illustrations. What makes this book special is how it shares the personal lives, challenges, and successes of these women, making their stories relatable and inspiring. It also pushes back against the historical trend of ignoring or downplaying women’s roles in science. By celebrating these trailblazers, the book encourages future generations to realize that science is for everyone, no matter their gender.
Lindsey Wolf, Marketing Manager, SportingSmiles
Empowering Women Leads to Lasting Change
For me, the best literary work that highlights women’s contributions throughout history is “Half the Sky” by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The reason this book is so powerful is that it proves how empowering women leads to lasting change in communities. It tells the stories of women who have overcome extreme hardships to build businesses, provide education, and improve healthcare. These women are not only surviving difficult circumstances. They are creating opportunities for others and shaping the future for their families and societies.
This book makes it clear that when women have access to education and financial independence, poverty decreases and entire regions thrive. It highlights struggles but also presents solutions, showing that progress happens when women are given the resources to succeed. “Half the Sky” is an important book because it does more than raise awareness. It pushes people to act as well.
Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical
Analyzes Historical Forces Shaping Women’s Roles
I think the book that best shows women’s contributions throughout history is “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir. Published in 1949, this book goes deep into the historical, social, and psychological forces that have shaped women’s role in society. De Beauvoir shows how women have been marginalized and treated as the “other,” and she does a deep analysis of gender inequality and challenges the traditional notion of femininity.
What makes “The Second Sex” so powerful is that it looks at women’s experiences across different cultures and time periods and gives a framework to understand their contributions and struggles throughout history. By looking at both personal and societal dynamics, de Beauvoir shows women’s agency and calls for a change in how society sees and treats women, demanding equality and freedom. The book has inspired generations of feminists and is still a reference point for discussions about women’s rights and gender equality.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Women Codebreakers Shaped WWII History
I think “Code Girls” by Liza Mundy is one of the best books highlighting the role women played in shaping history. The book follows the thousands of women who worked as codebreakers during World War II, deciphering enemy messages that directly influenced military strategy. I believe their work shortened the war by months, possibly years, yet their contributions remained classified for decades. Many of these women never received public recognition, but their skills changed the course of history. The book provides a rare look at how intelligence work relied on their ability to think critically and solve complex puzzles under intense pressure.
Lydia Valentine, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Cohort XIII LLC
Critiques Silencing of Women’s Voices
One literary work that really resonates with me in terms of highlighting women’s contributions is “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I’ve always found this story to be more than just a feminist critique. It’s about the silencing of women and the ways society has limited their voices, particularly when it comes to mental health. The protagonist in the story is confined to a room by her husband under the guise of care, yet what she really needs is space to express herself and her agency. This hit home for me because, as someone in the sustainability field, I see how women’s contributions, especially in areas like environmental conservation, are often overlooked or underappreciated.
The way the woman in the story fights for her freedom is a powerful reminder of how women have long fought for their voices to be heard, even when the world is slow to listen. Reading this book made me think about my own journey in a male-dominated industry. There’s been a lot of pressure to prove that the work I’m doing is valuable, but I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come from external recognition. Much like the protagonist, I’ve had to learn to trust my voice and my decisions, even when the world doesn’t fully recognize them. This book reminded me that the quiet work we do, whether it’s in the business world, sustainability, or beyond, has real impact, even if it isn’t always celebrated in the moment.
Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green
Malala’s Advocacy for Education
One literary work that best highlights women’s contributions throughout history is “I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.” Malala Yousafzai’s memoir is not just her personal story; it is a testament to the resilience and courage of women who have fought for their rights in the face of oppression.
Her advocacy for education represents a larger historical struggle, where women across generations have challenged societal norms to create lasting change. By sharing her journey from a young girl in Pakistan to a global activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala sheds light on the power of women’s voices in shaping history and pushing for progress.
I believe that her story is reflective of the countless women throughout history who have fought for equality and justice in the face of immense injustice. From the suffragettes who campaigned for voting rights to feminists advocating for workplace equality today, women throughout history have strived to defy expectations in hopes of paving the way for future generations. Hence, “I Am Malala” serves as a powerful reminder of their contributions, reinforcing the notion that women’s resilience and determination have always been a driving force of change.
Ajay Chavda, CTO, Mojo Dojo
Showcases Courageous Women Throughout History
One literary work that profoundly highlights women’s contributions throughout history is “The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience” by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. This compilation features over a hundred women from various eras and fields, showcasing their impactful roles and achievements. The authors provide personal insights into how these women have influenced their lives, offering readers an inspiring perspective on the pivotal contributions of women across history.
Sebastian Petrosi, Head of Content Marketing, Howtostream.co.nz
Reveals Women’s Role in WWI Science
A literary work that highlights women’s contributions throughout history is “A Lab of One’s Own: Science and Suffrage in the First World War” by Patricia Fara. As someone who values the hidden stories of history, I was struck by how this book reveals the crucial role women played in science and medicine during WWI—stepping into roles that men left behind, only to be sidelined again once the war ended.
I love how this book connects women’s scientific contributions to the larger fight for suffrage. It shows that their intellectual labor wasn’t just about advancing knowledge but also about proving they deserved a place in society. It made me think about how many breakthroughs have been quietly driven by women, only for their names to be erased from history. This book is a reminder that progress has always depended on women’s work, even when they weren’t given credit for it.
Naima Ch, Marketing Head and SEO Specialist, Morse Code Translator
Elizebeth Friedman: Pioneer in Cryptography
“The Woman Who Smashed Codes” by Jason Fagone is really great. It tells the story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a cryptanalyst who broke enemy codes during both World Wars. I mean, her work literally shaped modern cybersecurity and intelligence. While history remembers famous male codebreakers, she cracked thousands of messages, built the foundation for cryptography, and took down massive criminal networks. In fintech, encryption and blockchain security rely on the same cryptographic principles she helped pioneer. Her impact runs deeper than most people realize.
Thomas Franklin, CEO, Swapped
About ‘What Experts Read’
In our unique series, ‘What Experts Read,’ discover the literary inspirations and must-reads of thought leaders and industry experts. Each article highlights the books that have impacted the viewpoints, tactics, and success of successful entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders in their respective areas.
Discover a wide range of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, as professionals share their best book suggestions and talk about the significant influence these reads have had on their careers. Discover priceless information, expand your horizons, and gain insightful knowledge from experts at the forefront of their fields.
‘What Experts Read’ is an insightful look at the relationship between knowledge, experience, and the written word, and it may be of interest to anybody looking for motivation, strategic advice, or just to learn more about the reading preferences of prominent industry figures. Join us for this insightful tour of the most important leaders’ bookshelves of today.
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