CITIZEN SHE!

An overview of the ongoing worldwide struggle for women’s suffrage and gender equality.

This slim volume translated from the French highlights notable figures from the past and present, describes obstacles to achieving equal voting rights around the world, covers women in government, and outlines other gender-related challenges facing women and girls today. The style is lively and conversational and complemented by attractive full-color illustrations and hand-drawn infographics. However, the language choices at times feel dismissive, as when niqabis are compared to “Zorro or Batman.” Other wording, information, or highlighted examples are confusing, misleading, or incorrect. A strong Western bias pervades the framing of content. Maps show the Global South with a healthy representation of women leaders, yet in describing women heads of government, the book doesn’t name Indira Gandhi; instead it states that “the first woman who often comes to mind is Margaret Thatcher.” Oversimplifications include the elision of the double impact of racism and sexism in describing gender-based wage gaps and the assumption of a gender binary throughout. Confusingly, alongside education, social media, petitions, and similar nonviolent means, explosives and stone-throwing are shown as parts of a “protesters’ toolkit” that might otherwise be understood as inspiration for young activists. The minimal text struggles to cover the ambitious scope, and sources are given for only two studies.

A well-intentioned overview of a critical topic that is disappointingly sloppy in execution.