"Jane Daoud gives voice to the power of women through reflections on what is possible, what has been achieved and what has not been seen with eyes wide shut. Stories of gladiatrices, dagger wielders, weightlifters, pirates, bikini girls, and jockeys tease the senses and makes one think about what is assumed, unobserved and lost to the true telling of his story and her story. Women know that women have power. Its not a secret that they have kept to themselves. Ever. Jane allows anyone, everyone, all of us, to see and think differently, to peer into, and then appreciate, what is actually in plain sight: women and their power, casually but rightfully worn." - Margot Foster AM LLB OLY
"If there is little good poetry on sport, theres even less on womens place in the history of physical endeavour. The Power of Women splendidly redresses some of the imbalance, introducing us to some of the most fearless and fearsome women who have ever put their strength to the test. With poems spanning ancient history to the modern Olympics, via a touch of piracy, this collection will convince you that women have paved the way to excellence in many and diverse fields, including taking up arms when necessary. It delivers a whole new understanding to the concept of going to the gym." - Laurice Gilbert, Past-President, New Zealand Poetry Society