With the political field notoriously swamped by men, we champion some of our books centred around leading ladies initiating change this International Women’s Day.
No Excuses: Turning around one of Britain’s toughest schools, by Alison Colwell
Charming, touching and full of brilliant leadership advice, this is the diary of the woman the Daily Mail labelled Britain’s strictest head teacher. Throughout her journey to turn around a failing school, Alison Colwell establishes herself as a tenacious, uncompromising leader who is determined to clear out the rot and revitalise the life chances of the children of an entire community.
Snakes and Ladders: Navigating the ups and downs of politics, by Andrea Leadsom
Much of the coverage of the EU referendum and the battle for Brexit has focused on a few, often male, figures. Redressing the balance, Andrea’s personal account tracks the ups and downs of a political career, including her leading role in the Leave campaign, and features wisdom and encouragement for others, particularly women, wanting to serve in public life.
The Women Behind the Few: The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and British Intelligence during the Second World War, by Sarah-Louise Miller
One group has long been missing from the behind-the-scenes narrative of RAF operations during the Second World War: the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. These women held critical and top-secret positions collecting life-saving intelligence and without them, the outcome of the war could have been entirely different. The Women Behind the Few reveals the vital contribution made by these unsung heroines in Britain’s fight against the Nazis.
My Hair Is Pink Under This Veil, by Rabina Khan
Written by ‘an inspiring and powerful role model who has smashed glass ceilings with her strength, grace and tenacity’, My Hair Is Pink Under This Veil follows the story of a Muslim woman building a life and political career in modern Britain. Vivid and full of humour, it shines a powerful spotlight on the struggles Muslim women face today.
Marcia Williams: The Life of Lady Falkender, by Linda McDougall
Over a decade before Margaret Thatcher swept to power, another Englishwoman was running Britain from 10 Downing Street: Marcia Williams was the first ever female political adviser to a Prime Minister, and she was said to have a powerful grip on her boss, Harold Wilson. There is no doubt Marcia was outspoken, forthright and by the standards of the time deeply unconventional. But her political skills were unmatched, and this first ever biography strips away the sexist assumptions of her day to reveal a clear-sighted portrait of a true trailblazer.
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