FROM PEN TO POWER: THE EVOLUTION OF WOMEN'S LITERATURE AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

Since the inception of literature, women have played a pivotal yet often overlooked role in shaping societal perceptions and advocating for gender equality. Beginning with Aphra Behn's pioneering works, the exploration traverses through key figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Astell, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, George Eliot and Virginia Woolf, highlighting their profound impact on challenging societal norms and advocating for women's rights in their times. Tracing the evolution of these influential female voices and their significant works, the collective contribution to the ongoing journey of women's empowerment and the shaping of contemporary gender discourse is highlighted. This paper explores the transformative role of female-authored literature in advancing women's empowerment throughout history and scrutinizes how the legacy of these literary pioneers continues to inspire and inform contemporary feminist movements and discourse and fosters a more inclusive and equitable society for women today.