Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality

Anonymous Is a Woman

A global Chronicle of Gender Inequality

In 1929, British novelist Virginia Woolf ran her fingers along the spines of the books in her library wondering why no woman in Shakespeare’s era had written “a word of that extraordinary literature when every other man, it seemed, was capable of song or sonnet.” She concluded, “Indeed, I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.” Nearly a century after Woolf penned those incisive words—frequently modified as “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman”—the phenomenon of female anonymity persists as women worldwide continue to be restricted by society’s formal and unspoken barriers.

Why does Virginia Woolf’s statement still echo in the twenty-first century?
Why have women been consistently denied opportunities that are automatically given to men?
And why has the historical record failed to adequately recognize notable women?

Anonymous Is a Woman exposes the roots and manifestations of institutionalized gender and racial discrimination; dismantles centuries of historical bias through biographical profiles of fifty remarkable, yet forgotten women innovators; and challenges ingrained stereotypical assumptions to advance an unconventional argument for equality and inclusivity.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated, with the primary recipients being The Center for Human Rights in Iran and The London School of Economics Centre for Women, Peace and Security.

Awards

BOOK REVIEWS

“…An eclectic and enlightening look at the stories of women often ignored by history…does an excellent job of capturing readers’ attention.” —Kirkus Reviews

“…an indispensable, brilliantly written call to action. Read the book and heed her call.” —Melanne Verveer, Former US Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues

“…an essential contribution to illuminating the current social, economic, and political trends that are squashing the potential of at least 50% of the human population.” —Scott Barry Kaufman, Author, Professor of Psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University

“Anonymous Is a Woman…promises to break our historical amnesia through a sweeping account of women throughout history who have been ‘forgotten’ by virtue of their gender. The book’s commendably cosmopolitan coverage of women from around the world comes to color our understanding of what it means to speak as a ‘feminist’ in the 21st century.'” —University of Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum (MENAF)

“Reading this book during the COVID-19 pandemic seems particularly timely…The overarching powerful message of the book is that a diversity of voices and experiences is the central tenet of an inclusive society.” —The LSE Book Review

“It’s about time! This anthology gives female innovators the credit they deserve – all the while exposing the egregious repercussions of inequality.” —Teen Vogue Book Club Pick 2020

“Inspiring, compelling, and necessary…an examination of the systems of power that…have silenced women’s voices and contributions.” —Foreword Reviews * 5 Stars *

“…immersing yourself in this book will prove beneficial to your historical knowledge…a learning tool for men and women alike with insightful information galore.” —San Francisco Book Review *5 Stars*

“…powerfully evocative text…and a unique, long-needed resource…” —Indiereader * 5 Stars *

“Fifty shades of genius – An elegant, authoritative exploration of gender and society…” —Lyse Doucet, OBE Award-winning journalist and BBC Chief International Correspondent

“…a must-read book for everyone who wants to understand the roots and manifestations of systemic gender discrimination in everyday life.” —Michelle King, Director of Inclusion, Netflix

“…an eye-opening wake-up call…that impacted my views of the world, as a man and a father, as much as Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. Any man who doubts the overwhelming benefits of diversity and gender equality in life, business, and politics needs to read this book.” —Gregory Hogben, Author of My Daughter’s Army, Advocate for Women’s Rights and LGBT Equality

“…Nina Ansary has written one of this new decade’s most significant books that will inspire every culture to understand the power of historical gender bias…” —Claudia Chan, Founder of S.H.E. Summit & Author of This Is How We Rise

“Dr. Ansary is changing history — and challenging today’s world where women continue to be marginalized…” —Kristy Wallace, CEO, Ellevate Network

“An impassioned appeal to accelerate the global movement for gender equality…challenges each of us to spread the carpet of justice to unlock the potential of women everywhere.” —Bill Clifford, President and CEO, World Affairs Councils of America

“Dr. Nina Ansary has added to the historical record while striking an important blow on behalf of all humankind.” —Jerrold D. Green, President and CEO, Pacific Council on International Policy

“Too often in history, the voices of women have gone unheard. This lovely, important and much-needed compendium puts that right.” —Dr. Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at Oxford University and Director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research