She Speaks: Women's Speeches That Changed the World, from Pankhurst to Greta

by Yvette Cooper

A Guardian Book of the Year.

Looking at lists of the greatest speeches of all time, you might think that powerful oratory is the preserve of men. But the truth is very different - countless brave and bold women have used their voices to inspire change, transform lives and radically alter history.

In this timely and personal selection of exceptional speeches, Yvette Cooper MP tells the rousing story of female oratory. From Boudica to Greta Thunberg and Chimamanda Adichie to Malala Yousafzai, Yvette introduces each speech and demonstrates how powerful and persuasive oratory can be decidedly female. Written by one of our leading public voices, this is an inspirational call for women to be heard across the globe.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Politics, History, Essays, Womens, Education

468 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2020

About the author

Yvette Cooper is a British politician serving as Shadow Home Secretary under Keir Starmer since 2021, having also served in the position under Ed Miliband from 2011 to 2015. She previously served in Gordon Brown's Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2008 to 2009 and Work and Pensions Secretary from 2009 to 2010. A member of the Labour Party, she has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, previously Pontefract and Castleford, since 1997.

First elected to Parliament at the 1997 general election, Cooper was a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at three departments under Prime Minister Tony Blair from 1999 to 2005. She was promoted to Minister of State for Housing and Planning in 2005, and was retained in the role when Gordon Brown became Prime Minister in 2007. In 2008, she was appointed to Brown's Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, before being promoted to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in 2009. After Labour's defeat at the 2010 general election, Cooper served in Ed Miliband's Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2011. In 2011, her husband Ed Balls was promoted to Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer; Cooper replaced Balls as Shadow Home Secretary and served until Labour lost the 2015 general election.

On 13 May 2015, Cooper announced she would run to be Leader of the Labour Party in the leadership election following the resignation of Miliband.Cooper came third with 17.0% of the vote in the first round, losing to Jeremy Corbyn. Cooper subsequently resigned as Shadow Home Secretary in September 2015. Cooper was the chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee from 2016 to 2021. As a backbencher, Cooper repeatedly sought to extend Article 50 to delay Brexit. She became Shadow Home Secretary again in Keir Starmer’s November 2021 reshuffle.

Reviews

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of speeches by women throughout History made for very interesting reading. I liked how well-documented and edited this edition was made and Yvette's own personal views towards every speech that was included. My personal favourites were from Queen Elizabeth the First, Greta Thunberg and Michelle Obama, however, every single one was worth the time to read!

[Sheree | Keeping Up With The Penguins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really pleasantly surprised by the bipartisan and diverse selection of speeches in this collection. Personal favourites for me included speeches by Sojourner Truth, Marie Colvin, Julia Gillard, Kavita Krishnan, Michelle Obama, and Jacinda Ardern. She Speaks is a quick but powerful read, and hopefully a sign of more such collections to come.

My full review is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.

[Tilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A really good collection of powerful speeches by women. Itncovered a good ground of topics although I wish less had been by politicians but I guess that is because Yvette Cooper compiled this book. It was good but I think it could have been even better. It may have been nice to have some powerful quotes as well as full speeches.

Please note that I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

[bella]

empowering

[Dagmar Thielman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring!! 35 empowering speeches van vrouwen over heel de wereld die hun stem gebruiken om een verschil te maken.
Mijn feministische hartje werd heel gelukkig van dit boek! <33

[Catie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features a diverse collection of speeches that span time, locale, and contexts. I found it very powerful and even moving at times, and I would recommend this book for any person interested in speech and politics. The author provided context before each speech which was particularly helpful for me because many of the speeches were specific to local UK issues and being from outside of the UK I needed the additional context.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology of speeches from women covers various eras and cultures from Boudicca in the Iron Age to Greta Thunberg in recent times. The fact that many of the speeches date from the last few decades shows how often women were silenced in the past. Definitely worth checking out whether you agree with what these women have said or not.

[Iqra Choudhry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure that including a speech by Thatcher in between Maya Angelou and Audre Lorde sat right with me.

All the speeches by women of colour in this book are worth a read. The rest is hit and miss.

[Michelle (Fluttering Butterflies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting collection of speeches from women who have used their voices to inspire change across a range of topics.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of powerful and inspiring words by a diverse range of women. Obviously I enjoyed some more than others and it was refreshing to be introduced to both new and familiar voices.

I still can’t believe the irony of me reading this without realising the author was MP for my hometown!

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of the book. Collecting strong speeches of women that created an impact and most importantly, giving them a voice. Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. It took me over a year to finish this book und it never really caught me to stay up with it.

[Ellie Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I love women

[Ellen Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There are so many silences to be broken.” – Audre Lourde. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of speeches from women of all walks of life, dating back to Boudicca through to Greta Thunberg. The speeches were compiled by Yvette Cooper, who introduces each amazing women. I could post about each individual speech, they were so compelling. 

Several were familiar, such as Emma Watson’s diligent oratory ‘HeForShe’ and Malala Yousafzai’s famous UN address: “One pen can change the world.” I was also delighted to be introduced to women I did not know, like Donna Strickland, who was only the third woman to win the Nobel Prize for Physics. 

Two of my favourites were by female Prime Ministers. Australia’s Julia Gillard spoke powerfully in Parliament about her battle against misogyny within the opposition: “if he wants to know what misogyny looks like… he needs a mirror”; New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern spoke with compassion and empathy in response to terrorist attacks against the Muslim community. 

It is difficult to pick an overall favourite, but I was moved by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s delivery about why we should all be feminists. The answer has always been obvious to me, but for some this is not the case, and Adichie explains it perfectly. 

The topics are as diverse as the speakers. The Windrush Scandal to the fight for equal pay, education rights to feminism to the environment – each speech delivered a strong message and each orator ignited strong passion. The speeches are presented chronologically, and what struck me was how often the same topics kept coming up, the same message of the long fight for equality. With ongoing battles it is essential we do not let down our guard.

This is a book for everyone and, as Cooper explains, “They are all women of whom I have thought – she speaks, I must listen.” 

Compelling, important, empowering – a must read. – E.

[Luisa Pellegrino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this one! Already on its first pages, I was already feeling inspired and empowered to speak up. I found it sweet to see how Yvette Cooper could express her passion for speeches and, of course, words and the power within, in such a way that makes me feel closer to her and I caught myself admiring and loving words and speeches as well. Moving on, the book is full of great and powerful speeches that empowers you to speak up and not to be silenced. One thing in particular that I loved was when Cooper and other authors shared their fear and anxiety when delivering a speech. She doesn't treat it as a natural skill (the public speaking skill I mean). Even though she's a politician and public speaking is almost an everyday task for her, she still feels nervous every time she has to stand and give voice to her words. And fear is not out-of-office as well - there is the fear of censure, of others judgments, of the challenge of itself, and of course, the vulnerability to which we are exposed. Nonetheless, the book shows you how important it is to overcome all of those fears (and she recognizes is not that easy) and to find the courage and braveness to speak up and stand for what you believe for "silence does not protect you".
Although great, I felt there were a lot of politicians speeches to which I couldn't feel much connected. Also, most of them were made by Britains and I think it would be even greater if they were more diversified. There was one speech from a trans which at the end I like it 'cuz I was starting to think there will be none...
Still, it's really powerful and I totally recommend it!

[Corrie Mwende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely book this was. Lately I’ve had bouts of inadequacies, but the words of these women awaken a strength, holed deep inside me, reminding me that I matter- even when I seem to lose and forget my voice.

From Marie Colvin (a woman who reported in the midst of wars and conflicts putting a clear definition of bravery and bravado) to Boudica’s 'a woman’s resolve' speech, Audre Lorde’s emphasis on silences that need to be broken, the phenomenal Benazir Bhutto (oh how would the world she fought for look like if she was alive now?), my very own icon Wangari Maathai, the fearless Manal Al- Shariff, remarkably candid Julia Gillard among many other extraordinary women, this book of speeches is amassed with words of power that have changed systems, cultures and politics.

She Speaks is an important book for women who everyday strive to break through the noise that smalls them. Yvette Cooper thank you for getting transcripts of speeches that would not have seen the light of day.

The objectiveness of highlighting speeches that Ms Cooper would not agree with in terms of policies- esp that of Margaret Thatcher is admirable, it shows that, disagreeing does not mean silencing.

I recommend this book to communicators, activists, female politicians, creatives, young girls, men and everyone looking for their voice.

A 5/5!

[Katie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most inspirational books I’ve read in a while. I am a huge huge fan of any feminist book but this is unique. It’s an anthology of speeches by 36 women, advocating for a range of causes from equality, to asylum seekers, to peace, climate change and more.

Yvette does a fantastic job at including modern day feminist figures that we all love, like Michelle Obama and Greta Thunberg. She also includes speeches from women who have faced incredible injustices like Malala Yousafazi and Jo Cox. But importantly, she also includes speeches from those less well known (to me anyway) such as Benazir Bhutto and Audre Lorde. Yvette’s introductions to each speech were well written and paid tribute to some of the strongest women in history.

Every single speech in this anthology represents passion. The thoughtful collection truly paints a picture of the power of women’s voices, and indeed all voices. It addresses so many of the worlds burning injustices and documents so many key movements towards equality.

I’ve certainly come away with a fresh outtake on life and a renewed desire to change the world. It’s definitely one of those I’ll reread regularly, especially when I’m feeling down. I’d recommend to any feminist, campaigner, liberal and indeed to all.

[Amanda Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an ideal world, She Speaks: The Power of Women’s Voices would not need to be written. However, while the first result of a Google search presents a list of “The 35 Greatest Speeches in History”, all of which were given by men, the sad reality is that such books are a necessity. They are a necessity to open our eyes to the fact that powerful words do not just come from one gender; to create awareness of the threats of violence received by women who speak out to make a difference in this world; to “tear down the walls of ignorance and narrow-mindedness.” (Angela Merkel, speech to Harvard graduates)

Yvette Cooper has put together a powerful anthology of humdinger speeches from brave women who have sought to make a difference, sharing the story of each speech maker as an introduction. While this reader may not agree with every word written, there can be no doubt that there is power in the voices of these and many other women.

[π · Rating 4 out of 5]

okee, jd seperti pd sub judul buku ini, buku ini isinya adalah kumpulan pidato dr 40 wanita2 hebat di bidangnya masing2. gue suka sih krn banyak pemikiran baru yg bisa gue ambil dr buku ini, terus ada bbrp jg yg baru gue kenal!

overall, gue suka banget sm marie colvin! dia berani bgt jd seorang wartawan perang! dan sedih banget pas baca berita ternyata beliau pun wafat saat ngeliput berita😭. bener2 dedikasi beliau sm pekerjaannya luar biasa banget <3. dr buku ini aku jd kenal sm beliau dan ternyata ada filmnya! judulnya a private war ((otw nonton)).

dan yg gue lihat dlm buku ini mayoritas topiknya adalah politik sih ya. hmMMm.... gue jd makin yakin kl emg penyebab semua masalah itu awal mulanya dr kepentingan politik. tapi meskipun begitu, dalam she speaks kita bisa ngeliat dan tau kalo banyak wanita2 berani yg berhasil membungkam masalah tersebut.

pidato2 mereka itu seakan ngajak kayak, "ayo, gue aja bisa. lo juga pasti bisa!" energinya nular bos 💕.

[Emma Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one go, and did enjoy it, but I think it might be better read bit-by-bit. 

Some of the speeches were great, others were less so but overall just having a whole collection of notable women's speeches in front of me was inspiring in itself. A few of the speeches have been bookmarked for further research at some point, to learn more about the women and the circumstances that led to their speeches being made.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

So empowering reading all of these women's powerful words! Would highly recommend!

A lot of the speeches were from politicians, which was expected given Cooper is a politician herself, but differing opinions were represented which I liked.

There was also decent LGBT+ rep, although I would've like more trans inclusion and disability rep (though there was at least one speech for both)

[Clive Grewcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mix of some of the obvious greatest hits, some unexpected choices from familiar names and a few speakers who were previously unknown to me. Cooper's introductions are interesting and she avoids being overly preachy. You might not read this end to end in one go but well worth dipping into.

[ElizabethW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, a lovely collection of women’s voices. I enjoyed the controlled fury of Julia Gillard’s speech as well as the young voices of Malala and Greta Thunberg.

[Nabila Budayana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bersuara bagi perempuan pekerjaan berat kuadrat. Bukan hanya harus menghadapi tantangan menyampaikan pesan, namun perempuan juga mesti menghadapi sorot-sorot penilaian tak relevan dari berbagai sudut yang mengaburkan fokus pada apa yang ingin mereka sampaikan. Misalnya saja, banyak perempuan yang dikungkung kekhawatiran ketika berpidato karena kerap penampilan fisiknya yang lebih sering disorot, daripada substansi pidatonya. Tantangan bertambah ketika harus berhadapan dengan tembok tebal ancaman untuk isu-isu tertentu. Maka keberanian dan keyakinan dari perempuan-perempuan dalam She Speaks penting karena bukan hanya menyuarakan yang harus disuarakan, namun juga bagaimana kalimat-kalimat mereka memberi pengaruh besar pada sesama.

Topik yang dilantangkan oleh perempuan-perempuan di buku ini merefleksikan tentang berbagai isu, bukan hanya tentang perempuan, namun juga kemanusiaan secara luas. Cooper merangkum empat puluh pidato dari beberapa nama besar di dunia. Mulai Maya Angelou, Benazir Bhutto, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Emma Watson, AOC, Greta Thunberg, hingga Jacinda Adern.

Di sini kata-kata jadi kekuatan. Pembaca bisa merasakan betapa personal dan penuh empati pidato Adern pasca kejadian terorisme yang menewaskan lima puluh satu muslim di Christchurch. Juga pidato berapi Thunberg yang tajam melempar kritik terhadap bebalnya politisi terhadap isu perubahan iklim. Cooper juga mengangkut pidato-pidato yang sudah banyak disimak orang. Siapa saja pasti mengenal pidato memikat Adichie "We Should All Be Feminists", maupun pidato feminis Emma Watson "He for She".

Cooper tak sekadar mengumpulkan, namun ia juga memberikan pengantar di awal sebagai gambaran latar belakang tokoh dan analisisnya terhadap pidato mereka. Di sisi lain, buku ini tentu akan lebih representatif jika Cooper lebih banyak membawa suara perempuan-perempuan dari berbagai belahan dunia yang lain, seperti Asia.

Pembaca dibuat merasakan kekuatan, suara lantang, keyakinan, kepercayaan diri, keberpihakan, dan empati dari pidato-pidato yang ada. Suara yang menggugah dari perempuan selalu bukan hanya untuk dirinya sendiri, tapi juga untuk dunia.

[Nicole Switzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ✨

This isn't the easiest or lightest read. Many of the speeches are intense and emotionally charged. However I found that reading 1-2 speeches a day was enjoyable and it was a good habit which I formed with this book.

Some speeches were definitely better than others. One thing I did find negatively impacted my reading was the amount of speeches by English Politicians or Women speaking about English politics. I'm not from the UK. I don't know an awful lot about their political system (I can barely handle information I know on the Irish political system). Now you could call this ignorance, but I didn't enjoy the English politics and I wasn't nearly as impressed by the speeches from English politicians. I also skipped Margaret Thatcher's speech...but I think that's understandable.

Speeches I liked best: Greta Thunberg, Rosie Duffield, Julia gillar, Megan Rapinoe and Jacinda Arden.

[Kirsten Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read! I finished it in days, it kept my attention on every page. Even though I don't believe in everything that some of the women featured in this book have said/done, it still makes me appreciate the good that they have done and the quality of their rhetoric. It also brought attention to some lesser known women that had an impact in the way we live our lives today. Would definitely recommend to anybody that is more interested in big historical figures and learning more about feminism and why its still important today.

[Hâf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant collection of speeches by a diverse cast of women from all kinds of backgrounds and careers. Speeches from women in sports, politics, social justice, science and more. If the author expanses the series further I would have appreciated more speeches by LGBTQ+ women from varying countries and backgrounds.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Women are very slow to rouse, but once they are aroused, once they are determined, nothing on earth and nothing in heaven will make women give way; it is impossible”

An extremely extremely powerful and inspiring read. Perfect for my 90th book of the year <3

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Them feckin' women.

[Katharine Bull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was covered in goosebumps and full of inspiration.

[Margaret Wakeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of speeches made through the ages by women. They were great to read and probably even better to hear.