Why women’s stories are so important, especially now

June 21, 2026

Let Her Speak! Why Women’s Stories Are So Important, Especially Now

Conversations around censorship and book banning are on the rise, women’s rights are being rolled back, and the not-so-subtle nudge for women to return to “traditional values” stalks the womensphere like a bad ex. But despite it all, women continue to bring value to their communities by creating, raising their voices, and telling their stories.

It has never been more important to reward that effort and do our part to push back on those who wish to silence women. Not only to stop the systematic rollback of women’s rights, but to cheer on the benefits that stem from women’s storytelling.

The Power of Women’s Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool for change, allowing women to claim power, build agency, and advocate for their rights.

Storytelling can release oxytocin in the brain, promoting empathy and compassionate behavior.

It has the “unique ability to amplify voices, challenge biases, and inspire inclusivity.”

Women’s rights are systematically being rolled back slowly and deliberately all over the world. The fight for body autonomy, to speak and tell stories, for raised voices, continues on.

The data on reading habits shows “that women read books by men and women equally, whereas men ‘overwhelming reject books written by women in favor of male authors.’”

Reading women’s stories is essential because they challenge patriarchal narratives and provide diverse perspectives that foster understanding and empathy.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Follow and engage with writers’ socials and with businesses who support women’s voices.

2. Consciously diversify your TBR and follow creators who are recommending diverse books, tailoring your algorithm to continue to recommend content around diverse books.

3. Preorder their books—this tells the publishers and bookstores that their stories have value and are worth investing in.

4. Create buzz by chatting and recommending them to friends and family.

5. Leave a review, encouraging other readers to take a chance.

Want more book recs like these? 💌

Baddies get new book recs — plus first dibs on Friday Drop special editions — straight to their inbox every week. Interested in getting first access?

Become a Baddie

Women’s Stories We Love to Recommend:

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Two people who believe they are good luck charms, as each of their exes has found love after dating them, decide to date one another to break their curse.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
A historical fantasy following a retired pirate who is drawn into a dangerous adventure to save a kidnapped teen.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Two people who believe they are good luck charms, as each of their exes has found love after dating them, decide to date one another to break their curse.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
A historical fantasy following a retired pirate who is drawn into a dangerous adventure to save a kidnapped teen.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Two people who believe they are good luck charms, as each of their exes has found love after dating them, decide to date one another to break their curse.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
A historical fantasy following a retired pirate who is drawn into a dangerous adventure to save a kidnapped teen.