On International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on five female authors who are making an impact through their writing. These books offer perspectives on leadership, gender issues, sustainability, and social change—key themes shaping Asia today.
New Economy & Leadership
Return on Kindness: How kind leadership wins talent, earns loyalty, and builds successful companies – Prof. Bonnie Hayden CHENG (Hong Kong)
This book challenges traditional notions of leadership by advocating kindness as a business strategy. By sharing real-world examples from startups, social enterprises, and corporate leaders, it demonstrates how kindness can be a driver for innovation and success. In a region where fast-paced economies often prioritise competition over compassion, this book presents a compelling case for a more human-centric approach to leadership.
Asian Founders at Work – Ezra Ferraz & Gracy Fernandez (Southeast Asia)
This collection of interviews with startup founders from across Asia offers a rare glimpse into the realities of entrepreneurship. The book highlights the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of Asian entrepreneurs, especially in emerging markets. By featuring a diverse range of voices, it underscores the unique challenges and opportunities within Asia’s fast-growing startup ecosystem.
Gender & Inclusive Societies
The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing – Sonia Faleiro (India)
Through investigative journalism, Sonia Faleiro delves into the tragic story of two teenage girls in rural India whose deaths reveal the stark realities of gender inequality and violence. The book provides a meticulous account of systemic issues surrounding women’s rights in India, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of gender, power, and social norms.
Sustainability & Environment
Indonesia Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation – Elizabeth Pisani (Indonesia)
The book offers deep insights into Indonesia’s social, political, and economic landscape, exploring how a vast and diverse nation navigates modernisation, governance, and sustainability. Pisani’s perspective on Indonesia’s development, resource management, and cultural resilience aligns well with discussions on leadership, inclusivity, and the balance between tradition and progress.
Fairhaven – Genevieve Hilton (Hong Kong)
Set in a near-future Hong Kong, Fairhaven is a thought-provoking novel that explores the delicate balance between urbanisation and sustainability. Hilton weaves an intricate narrative around ecological resilience and human relationships, prompting readers to reconsider how cities can coexist with nature. With urban sustainability becoming a pressing issue across Asia, this book offers both cautionary and hopeful insights.
Bonus: Health & Wellbeing in Cities
Health, Wellbeing, Competence And Aging – Ping-chung Leung, Jean Woo, and Walter Kofler (Hong Kong)
By examining aging through multiple lenses, the book offers a nuanced understanding of how different cultures perceive and manage the aging process. Its emphasis on holistic health aligns with contemporary discussions on integrative medicine and the importance of addressing the multifaceted nature of wellbeing in older adults.
Why These Books Matter
Each of these works offers a unique lens on some of Asia’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s rethinking leadership, addressing gender inequality, protecting the environment, or ensuring dignity in aging, these women authors are shaping conversations that matter. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their contributions and encourage more voices to be heard.
