Book Review: RISE: Extraordinary Women of Colour Who Changed the World by Maliha Abidi – Reviewed by Nana Opoku

Book Review: RISE: Extraordinary Women of Colour Who Changed the World by Maliha Abidi
Reviewed by Nana Opoku
 
In recent years there has been a surge of books celebrating women who have changed the modern world. The selected profiles are typically household names from the West with few additions of non-western women.

What truly sets RISE apart from the other books, is that it centres on Women of Colour from over 30 countries. Author and artist Maliha Abidi aptly named the book after Maya Angelou’s iconic poem, “Still I Rise”. A poem that exudes confidence and resilient symbolism.

 The book includes acclaimed pioneers ranging from Ama Ata Aidoo, the Ghanian writer, to Fatema Mernissi the Moroccan feminist sociologist.

Abidi has a clear intention for RISE. She writes:

“…although this book is predominantly a celebration, I chose not to diminish the hardships or traumas the women endured on their way to becoming incredible pioneers. To write only of their achievements would be doing a disservice to these women, and to my readers.”

 This is the second book by the Pakistani-American artist whose work mainly focuses on women’s rights, mental health and anti-racism.

She made her writing debut with her book, Pakistan for Women: Stories of Women Who Have Achieved Something Extraordinary. Rumour has it that Abidi has already begun working on her next book, Journey to America: 25 Immigrants Who Transformed a Nation.

It’s fair to say that Abidi is a prolific artist with a purpose. All the uplifting joyous portraits seen on the pages of RISE were painted by Abidi.
RISE is a great book to gift anyone asking themselves how they can make a difference in their community. If they are not called to action by all the incredible women showcased in the book, they surely will be inspired by Abidi herself and the love and hard work she has poured into this uplifting book.