Amplifying voices: celebrating women in translation month

Women in Translation Month (WIT Month) is an annual celebration held in August, dedicated to promoting and honoring women authors who write in languages other than English and the translators who bring their voices to a broader audience. This movement was initiated in 2014 by Meytal Radzinski, a blogger and translator passionate about addressing the gender imbalance in translated literature. Her efforts have spotlighted the critical yet often underrepresented contributions of female authors and translators worldwide, raising awareness and appreciation for their work.

Through August, we are all invited to celebrate women in translation in some way. Here are some fun and meaningful ideas:

Reading challenges: organize or participate in a reading challenge focused on books by women writers in translation. Share your progress and reviews on social media using the hashtag #WITMonth.

Book club discussions: host a book club meeting featuring a female author in translation. Engage in discussions about the themes, cultural contexts, and the translation process itself.

Author and translator interviews: arrange interviews with female authors and translators to share insights into their work, challenges, and the impact of translation on their stories.

Online events and webinars: attend or organize online events, webinars, and panel discussions featuring women writers and translators. These can provide valuable perspectives and foster a sense of community.

Extending the Celebration to Non-English Communities

While WIT Month has gained significant traction in English-speaking communities, extending its reach to non-English communities is crucial for a truly global impact. By promoting the translation of female authors from diverse linguistic backgrounds into multiple languages, we can ensure that the voices of women writers are heard and appreciated worldwide. Encouraging local literary communities to celebrate WIT Month can also help bridge cultural gaps and foster greater understanding and appreciation of different literary traditions.

Suggested reading lists for Women in Translation Month

Finally, to make the most of this celebration, consider exploring reading lists featuring works by women in translation. These lists can guide readers towards discovering new voices and perspectives from around the world. Whether you're looking for contemporary fiction, classic literature, or groundbreaking poetry, these lists will have something for every literary taste.

• #WITMonth 2023 Reading List (2024 list coming soon)
• A reading list by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses
• Grove Atlantic's recommended reading
• Goodreads' book list
• WWB recommends 10 forthcoming books written and translated by women (by Alexander Aguayo)

How about you? Do you have any favorite books by women in translation that you would recommend? Share your suggestions in the comments below and let's discover new voices together.