Nicholas D. Kristof & Sheryl Wudunn

Half the Sky. How to Change the World

Virago Press 2010

 

This book certainly raises awareness about a myriad of atrocities committed against women all over the world.

 

It is not easy to read about how horrific human beings can be to one another, and most of these daily acts of violence merit little space in the daily news.

 

The authors describe the suffering in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and various African countries graphically, writing about women who have endured brutality beyond imagination, but who have managed to fight their way out and up, and so have become role models for others. They also write about workers who have devoted their lives to these causes and about the importance of educating women.

Sex trafficking and forced prostitution are more widespread than I had imagined - the numbers here are staggering. Gender based violence such as honor killings and mass rape are focused on as well.

 

It seems a bit strange to thank somebody for giving one a gift which ends up making one’s blood boil, but this book may just be the exception to that... Danke, Sabine!