Book Review: Women and Power: A Must-Read for Understanding and Challenging the Status Quo

We recently launched our women's book club with the compelling Women & Power by Mary Beard, and it's been a catalyst for some of the most stimulating and thought-provoking discussions we've had in a long time. This powerful little read has truly opened our eyes to new perspectives.

One of our book club participants commented that she felt she was back in history class while reading it. And you know what? That's a valid observation. This book dives deep into the history of how women's voices have been systematically silenced, dating back to long before the time of Jesus Christ. It's not an easy read; some parts are downright horrifying. But then again, what else would you expect from a truthful account of centuries of female oppression?

Any human who truly cares about women and creating an inclusive society that benefits everyone, regardless of gender or nationality should add this book to their reading list. It shines a light on how deeply ingrained our conditioning is—conditioning that has long favoured men as the sole power holders in society. It also explores why many women have learned to "put up and shut up" rather than speak out.

Mary Beard, a renowned classicist, brings her expertise to this book by tracing the roots of feminine silencing back to ancient texts like Homer's Odyssey, where we see some of the earliest examples of women being told to be quiet and know their place. Beard skillfully connects these ancient narratives to modern times, showing how these long-standing traditions have permeated all aspects of culture and society, from religion to politics.

Women & Power is a concise yet profound feminist history taking us from Homer's Odyssey to modern times, touching on pivotal moments like the Trump-Clinton presidential race and the Black Lives Matter movement. Beard highlights how public and political spaces have traditionally been designed to exclude women or, at the very least, to discourage them from speaking out. She raises some pressing questions about whether women can ever truly hold power in our current societal structure. More importantly, it challenges us as women to define what power means to us. We don't have to accept the traditional structures of power that have been handed down to us.

The book also challenges readers to consider what a new, more inclusive power structure might look like, one that isn't based on the hierarchical, patriarchal systems we currently live under. Beard urges women to rethink their relationship with power and to understand that there are many ways to wield it—ways that might be more inclusive, collaborative, and effective than the traditional models. It's a call to action, inspiring us to question and redefine the power dynamics in our society.

This book is a crucial read for anyone who wants to work towards a better world structure because it lays bare the roots of our conditioning. How can you evolve, grow, or break free from your conditioning if you don't even understand it? Women & Power offers a starting point, helping us learn why women have been rendered largely voiceless in our society and giving us the impetus to consider what changes we might want to make to the current system—or perhaps, think about creating a whole new one.

I wholeheartedly give Women & Power by Mary Beard a five out of five. It's a short but impactful read that could be the first step towards changing our world. Let's read, reflect, and redefine power together, inspired by the potential for positive change that this book presents. It's a call to action, a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.