The School of Public Policy is committed to creating a thriving, inclusive environment at the School, where everyone takes an active role in incorporating diversity, inclusion and belonging into their work, classroom and interactions with students and colleagues. To that end, we’re excited to share our monthly recommendations for books, poetry, documentaries, podcasts, art and more for students to refer to on their personal and professional journeys to cultivating diversity, inclusion and belonging.
In the month of March we observe Women's History Month. To that end, here are a few recommendations from SPP staff, faculty, and members of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Taskforce for you to engage with this month
9to5: The Story of a Movement (Netflix)
In this documentary, female office workers in '70s Boston inspire change with a call for better pay, more opportunities and an end to sexual harassment.
History of Women's History Month - National Women’s History Museum (Youtube)
Learn about the origins of women's history month and International Women's Day and the women who made it possible.
Stuff Mom Never Told You
With new episodes every Wednesday and Friday, Stuff Mom Never Told You gives you the opportunity to learn about feminism and women's history twice a week. The show discusses "what it is to identify as female through research-based discussion around feminism and how it impacts everyday life." You'll hear about women like NASA's hidden computer women and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Muta Maathai.
What'shername
What'shername features hosts Dr. Katie Nelson and Professor Olivia Meikle who bring on historians, writers, and scholars to "bring to life the 'lost' women of history." The show does its best to highlight women you might not have heard of before. One of the latest episodes, for example, discusses 17th century German naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian, who traveled to South America to uncover various unknown species 130 years before Darwin’s expeditions.
Women’s History Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History Month – WiPP by Blair Imani
An inspiring and radical celebration of 70 women, girls, and nonbinary people who have changed—and are still changing—the world, from the Civil Rights Movement and Stonewall riots through Black Lives Matter and beyond.
Because I Was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages by Melissa de la Cruz
Because I Was a Girl is an inspiring collection of true stories by women and girls about the obstacles, challenges, and opportunities they've faced…because of their gender.
When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America by Paula Giddings
When and Where I Enter is an eloquent testimonial to the profound influence of African-American women on race and women's movements throughout American history. Drawing on speeches, diaries, letters, and other original documents, Paula Giddings powerfully portrays how black women have transcended racist and sexist attitudes--often confronting white feminists and black male leaders alike--to initiate social and political reform. From the open disregard for the rights of slave women to examples of more covert racism and sexism in civil rights and women's organizations, Giddings illuminates the black woman's crusade for equality.
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock
With unflinching honesty and moving prose, Janet Mock relays her experiences of growing up young, multiracial, poor, and trans in America, offering readers accessible language while imparting vital insight about the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of a marginalized and misunderstood population. Though undoubtedly an account of one woman’s quest for self at all costs, Redefining Realness is a powerful vision of possibility and self-realization, pushing us all toward greater acceptance of one another—and of ourselves—showing as never before how to be unapologetic and real.