Women, Philanthropy and Social Change: visions for a just society (2005 & 2007)

This collection of essays is designed to show the ‘hidden history’ of women's involvement in the charitable sector and discusses how women are using philanthropy to achieve social change. Contributions from thirty female leaders and thinkers give the book an enormous scope and appear to support the publisher’s description of this publication as ‘the definitive book on women and philanthropy’. Topics range from the history of the women’s funding movement to women as donors and volunteers to role models for female philanthropy. Two separate chapters consider the different factors involved for women who inherit wealth and for women who earn their wealth. Whilst many disparate perspectives are covered, a uniting factor is the contributors’ belief in the passion and potential of women’s giving. This book is a celebration of women’s power to influence social constructs and political policies that can ultimately change the very foundations of society.