#readwomen2014: Let's challenge our sexist reading habits

Joanna Walsh's recent article for the Guardian poses an interesting literary-themed New Years resolution. Reflecting on VIDA's annual calculation of the rates of male and female publication, in which their attractive pie charts show that female authors are considerably discriminated against in the publishing world, Walsh decided to start a new reading campaign. Walsh asks readers to think about the gender of the next author they are about to select from their bookshelves, and advises them to pick a female author as a way to combat pervasive sexist reading habits. The #readwomen2014 hashtag promotes Walsh's aims to challenge the inequality found in the book market, and she's even created some female author inspired bookmarks to further the cause.

Interestingly, Walsh also considers the way female writers are published as a detriment to gender equality in publishing. The flowery, girly covers used for female author's books take away their serious, weighty sentiments and create an impression that the title contains writing of 'delicacy' (bluergh). You may be baffled to learn that Lionel Shriver's 'nasty' novel Game Control was originally destined for an equally 'feminine' cover. It's a publishing approach that seems old fashioned, not to mention patronising, but Walsh points out that it is a trend still very much present in the publishing industry.

I definitely think this is an innovative and thought-provoking way to challenge sexism in reading, and the use of social media is certainly going to attract more public support. In my own experience, I have been witness to a reader's surprise that their 500-page WWI themed novel was, in fact, written by a female author (shock, horror).

It's true that male writers dominate the bestseller lists, book charts and English degree syllabuses. I am frequently asked to consider the topic of the literary 'canon' as a point of discussion in my university seminars, and so I am fully aware how male-dominated (and, more often than not, dead) the literature curriculum is. Perhaps universities are becoming more aware of this issue, as it was a surprise to me that the first author I was asked to read at university was Hilary Mantel.

The #readwomen2014 campaign is gaining attention. Glamour, Harpers Bazaar and LA Times are just a few publications to take notice and promote literary gender equality. So, why don't you join in! Who is your favourite female author? And, who is the next female author you will read?

Here is Joanna Walsh's article - read it for yourself!