Do It Like a Woman... and Change the World by Caroline Criado Pérez

Do It Like a Woman... and Change the World Reviews

• 
  Claire

  I was almost tempted to say that "Do it Like a Woman" documents the achievements of extraordinary women - exceptionally brave, exceptionally clever, exceptionally determined - from around the world. And yet, to do so would be to miss the entire point of the book. Caroline Criado-Perez demonstrates that there is nothing 'exceptional' about women performing brilliantly. Her book shows that, in spite of adverse circumstances, there is no limit to what women are capable of achieving. This book is truly inspirational. Irrespective of whether or not you consider yourself to be a feminist, it will open your eyes.
  
  "Do it Like a Woman" is a fascinating book, as educational as it is moving. Caroline Criado-Perez explores the recent achievements made by dozens of women from an extraordinary range of circumstances, with interviews providing an insight into their wider social contexts. From revolutionaries to robotic scientists, Criado-Perez highlights the areas in which women have succeeded. Although their fields range broadly, these women’s narratives all share one factor in common: the prejudice they have faced on the basis of their gender.
  
  Regardless of country or creed, every woman interviewed has suffered from misogyny. Acid attacks, human trafficking, forced prostitution, rape, and intimate partner violence all feature in their stories. Even here in the UK – where there is a misplaced assumption that we are ‘more or less equal’ in terms of gender – the problem exists. Ranging from the extremes of rape and murder to institutionalised forms of sexism that manifest in workplace discrimination, women continue to face misogyny. And the stories of female asylum seekers in Britain are harrowing.
  
  Although a number of the interviewees’ stories have the power to devastate, their fortitude and Criado-Perez’s optimism prevent the subject from depressing. By way of activism, rebellion, and sheer strength of will, every woman interviewed has been responsible for change. Whether large or small scale, all of these changes together amount to a shift in wider culture. Their success has the power to alter the perception of women, to counteract gendered assumptions and inspire a generation of girls.
  
  “Do it Like a Woman” is an incredibly positive book – a delight to read. Caroline Criado-Perez has collected an astonishing range of stories and woven them together seamlessly. I would recommend it to anybody and everybody, particularly readers looking for something uplifting.
• 
  Sofia

  Having read Caitlin Moran's How To Be A Woman (a White Feminist if ever there was one) I was hesitant about this book, then I heard the author, Caroline Creado-Perez speak at Ilkley Literature Festival and found myself a little more encouraged to read it. Now it's firmly on the list of books I wish everyone would read. It's *full* of amazing women doing utterly amazing things, here and NOW! The representation is brilliant, she has brought in women from all over the world and not once does she fetishise or orientalise. It's very genuinely and sincerely written. Additionally her writing style is absolutely beautiful and her analysis, truly insightful. I often found myself stopping to absorb what I'd just read. A must in every home library really!
  
  From scientists, to poets, to lawyers, to CEOs, to educationists, to explorers, and beyond! The book is full of Women who have faced challenges, risen above them, and changed the playing field and continue to do so. It's one of those books I know I will dip into again and again.
  
• 
  Jo (The Book Geek)

  This book admittedly had me completely hooked. This book is full of amazing, inspirational women, that each have their own stories to tell. These stories, are told exceptionally well. I think this book also shows people that there is no limit, to what women can achieve, even in the most testing of times.
  Some of these stories are somewhat harrowing, but also at the same time, uplifting. The topics covered here range from human trafficking, to extreme sexism in the workplace.
  This book covers many sides of feminism, and you really don't need to be a feminist to appreciate and enjoy this book.
• 
  Lois

  Another book with a misleading title. It's full of information on how laws and culture impact the view and treatment of women across the world, and not just in third world countries. It definitely has a feminist tone but if you want to understand the impact of how thinking women are "less than" this book will startle and sadden you, especially considering recent history.
• 
  Sumirti Singaravelu

  My best find this year is Caroline Criado Perez. Her words carry more passion and anger, and it portrays the struggles of being a woman in everyday life. I got bowled over by her "Invisible women" and this book is no lesser than the other. I really wish she keeps writing more books. And, this book deserves a full-blown detailed review, which I shall come up with soon.
• 
  Nike

  Caroline Criado-Perez, has once again done a fantastic job by sharing the stories of women who today are making a difference and dedicating their lives to what matters so deeply to them, a more equal world where women regardless of where they are in can break themselves free from the sexists chains that limit them and come in all shapes and forms. One of the most important and wonderful parts of her book is her inclusion of women from all around the world. It’s awe inspiring to listen to their stories and their commitment to the causes they work for. Those women are role models and I am hopeful that their stories and relentless efforts inspire other women who read this book to take a step and change the world for the better.
• 
  ✨️

  Every day, all over the world, women are making a positive difference to their lives and the lives of the people in their communities. [...] These women are proving to themselves, and to the world, that a powerful force for change can sometimes start with a single brave action.
  
  Caroline Criado-Perez's Do It Like A Woman is an excellent book, though I feel like I should first briefly address the only other review I'd read of it, one that celebrated it and its need, but saying it's no more than a fuel to feminists, as no one else would likely pick it up.
  
  I disagree. I feel like yes, the first influx will be feminists, those who followed Criado-Perez's story on getting women represented on banknotes, and the subsequent backlash. But I can tell you, this brand-spanking-new copy is going to become well-worn, because I'll be recommending it to everyone I know. Because it's important.
  
  It does have a place, as it highlights the discrepancies in areas of perceived equality, and the real horrors in areas where we already know that equality isn't a given. Even the design of fighter pilot uniforms is male-leaning, more through ignorance than intention, and it's these little details that add to the sweeping nature of how much of the world, elements you wouldn't even consider, aren't naturally built for women.
  
  It apparently comes as no surprise, but I was completely stunned by how poorly the UK operates and treats people, and the statistics and legal treatment laid out in black and white shines a spotlight on how poorly women, many of those fleeing countries in fear of their lives, are treated.
  
  Stories range from Pussy Riot, Laura Bates and Criado-Perez's own experience to truly harrowing tales of immigrants and rape victims in every day life, the sex industry and the military. It's a far-reaching attempt to tell the stories in a singular work.
  
  But while it is eye-opening in its horror, there's a celebration in it too: many of the women featured aren't names anyone would know, but they're truly trailblazing for their cause in one way or another. There's an attempt to be universal and inclusive, to distinguish between what is outright misogyny or just ignorance in a male-dominated construct, and let these women tell their stories of their quest for change.
  
  Technically, I'm the perceived target audience so it does fuel the fire so to speak, but I still think it's a book that people should read. I think there is scope for branching out into other issues of gender beyond this, and giving a little context to people and companies mentioned as it might not be readily known to people. At the very least, it's a starting point.
  
  It's hard to curtail this into a conclusion because there's so much that could, and probably should, be addressed here, but I'll try.
  
  This in itself is not a definitive work, but a snapshot of incredible women and their stories right now, and what should hopefully be a starting point for many in joining these much-needed conversations.
  
  I have to make myself stop typing. I'll start a switch-off countdown. There's something incredible to see someone say "I thought about giving up, but I'll be damned if a little girl wants to do this and sees me quit because it's easier", and it happens on many occasions, often in the face of life-threatening opposition.
  
  I think I'll stick with 'a snapshot of incredible women and their stories', and a must-read.
  
  3, 2, 1...
• 
  Kate Walton

  Chock full of inspiring women, all of whose stories are well-told.
  
  I felt like something was missing, though, or perhaps I wasn't the intended audience - maybe younger readers or readers new to feminism might find it more useful. But for me, it seemed to be lacking something, some sort of overall framework or structure that pulled it all together and told us why we should get out there and be more like these women.
  
  Still an excellent book, regardless.
• 
  Hélène

  An excellent book that every woman (and man) should read, in order to understand why there is still a long way to go! Inspiring stories by real women from many countries, who have excelled in a number of fields and defied all limits imposed by society.
  
  Some stories where shocking, some were impressive. All of them are true and all of them make you think. This is why you, like me, will never be the same after reading this book.
• 
  sacha

  this covered such a wide range of women from all across the world and it was presented in a way that tied everything together very coherently and kept me interested all the way through. i really liked the interview feel of it. i looked up most of these women as i was reading about them and they're amazing and i would really like to read more books in this style.
• 
  Stacey Handler

  This is highly researched and accessible feminist writing. It highlights the plight of women both in the west and around the world, it's compassionate and empathetic. Highly recommend everyone to read (published 2015 so a little out of date now regarding some stats and laws) Now I really want to read her Invisible Women.
• 
  Nicole

  Sometimes it takes a book like this to remind us that women still have an awful lot to fight for. I'm glad to have learned more about the women who are at the helm of some of the battlefronts.
• 
  Franca

  I think this is a "must-read" for everyone! Men as wel as women. There's still so much work to be done!!
• 
  Lizzie

  It often feels like feminist non-fiction falls into one of two categories; either it’s a girl-power focussed, best-women-of-history type book, or it’s a heavily detailed manifesto on patriarchal structures and their sociological and economic effects.*
  
  Do It Like A Woman manages to perfectly bridge those two categories, as Caroline Criado-Perez interviews women – some activists, some not – who have accomplished amazing things in their lives, and uses their experiences to guide the reader through the ingrained societal norms that these women have had to overcome, or are working to overturn. She starts off much as you might expect, speaking to women who are trailblazers in their respective fields and not only drawing inspiration from them but unpicking the nuances behind what they say to draw attention not only to the barriers they’ve overcome but why those barriers were there in the first place. By the end of the first chapter, ‘doing it like a woman’, I thought I knew what I was in for.
  
  (Find this and other reviews at
  https://elementarymydearbookblog.word...)
  
  From the second chapter (‘Speaking like a woman’), though, Criado-Perez takes us much deeper into the heart of gender discrimination. She talks to activists from countries such as Iran which are known for their sexist laws and culture, and draws on her own experiences (she successfully campaigned for Jane Austen to be featured on the £10 note, and was inundated with threats online) to make the reader reckon with the insidious meaning behind the violence and hatred women face every day all around the world.
  
  For what was at times a book that dealt with extremely heavy topics, it was extremely readable, if disheartening at times as Criado-Perez explained just how ingrained sexism is in our own brains, let alone societal structures. Just as the bad news gets too much, though, we’re heartened and encouraged by good news of the women making waves and changing the world. Her thesis is clear: that women need to have choice, and that a choice made out of necessity is not a choice made out of freedom. It is this freedom that all of the women she speaks to want to achieve, no matter which field they work or campaign in.
  
  This was a solid 5 star read for me – eye-opening, moving, and inspirational all wrapped up in one brilliantly written package. I can’t wait to read her other work!
  
  *To be clear, I very much enjoy reading books from both of these categories.
• 
  Andreia

  Comecei este livro e pensar que seria difícil ultrapassar a fasquia de "Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men". São leituras diferentes, mas acho que "Do It Like a Woman" ainda consegue ser uma obra mais poderosa. Para além dos dados e da estatística, a autora foca-se nas histórias particulares de várias mulheres corajosas e com histórias de vida impressionantes, contadas na primeira pessoa. Tenho a certeza que alguns dos relatos aqui reunidos vão ficar cravados na minha memória por muito tempo.
• 
  EvaSuzanna

  I think the message that this book sends is important to everyone.
  I don't think I have the words to desrcibe what this book is. So my advise to all is: read it. Because Caroline Criado Pérez does have the words.
  
  Sometimes it might be tough to get through, since nothing is simply 'stated', everything is substantiated with facts and the corresponding numbers. Therefor I would highly recommend the audiobook, so you won't get stuck on something that trivial.
  
  Two quotes I wanted to share that made me pause:
  - "Women are more emotional", do we not count anger as an emotion?
  - The reality is that unsafe abortion laws don't save fetuses, they just kill women.
• 
  Tori Taylor

  I think this book is beautiful. It’s poignant and sometimes I had to take a break because i was crying too much to see. Stunning. True stories of incredible women. We are beautiful. We are strong. We are empowered.
• 
  Vanessa

  4.5
• 
  Ro

  To all the powerful and amazing women mentioned in this book : thank you for everything you do for women around the world. Great book by Caroline Criado Pérez!!!!
• 
  Tamara Gilfillan

  Inspired by these amazing women.
• 
  Luise

  A must-read for everyone!!
• 
  Shreya Jaipuria

  3.5.
• 
  Madamedupin

  The more I read, the angrier I got, and the more privileged I felt. My life has been lucky; I have worked hard and made choices to be responsible, but I started from a good place - born in Western Europe in the 1970s with a free education, social mobility and access to sex education and contraception. As a woman, if don't have those, you're fucked, generally, and also sometimes even when you do. This book is all about women doing all sorts of things the Daily Mail thinks we can't or shouldn't, here in the West and in places where women have to really struggle. Both sets of circumstances are treated equally because sexism, and bravery, exist everywhere.
  Criado-Perez is a great campaigner. What a great voice. I wish this were more mainstream. But then that's the whole point - if it were, we wouldn't have such a big problem, would we?
• 
  Rhi

  There's so much that could be said about this book. It took me a long time to get through, despite being less than 300 pages. It's just so full of stories and facts that made me hurt, rage and feel sick to stomach.
  
  The main aspect I've taken from this is how much we learn to absorb and pass on as the norm. The everyday sexism and inappropriate actions that after over 20 years of exposure I've just reduced to background noise. The general things I write off or don't even try for because I instinctively perceive them as out of my reach or control. It's scary. It was a punch in the gut of how much, despite considering myself a feminist, I've learned to just absorb as the way of things.
  
  This is inspiring and truly motivates me to sit up and act. A very good read.
• 
  TheGirlWhoReads

  I had vowed not to start another book considering the 'currently reading' shelf already contains a few books but one look at the title and a little browse inside, and I knew I HAD to read it, without wasting a moment.
  
  I haven't read the entire book in sequence as yet but dipping in here and there, I am amazed by the range of selection of women from all walks of life but more importantly, by the courage these women showed in the face of circumstances beyond their control, and feel truly inspired. It's books like these that give hope to women everywhere that if they can do it, so can I! A truly liberating read!!
• 
  Rebecca Haslam

  Far too often has it been said that men rule and dominate every-day life. To that, I say bullshit. Without women, men would struggle and c'mon ladies, we all know that to be a fact. This book works as a motivational guide to inspire women everywhere to do what they want, when they want, how they want and to prove themselves as good as, if not better, than their male counterparts at anytime they wish. I've grown sick and tired of people underestimating women, and this book reminded me that we all have the power to prove the haters, and the doubters, wrong.
• 
  Ioanna Thomadaki-Visintini

  What can I say about this book? It's a must-read for all women. It's inspiring, strong, honest - in one word: it's empowering. All you need in order to gain a good understanding of why feminism is absolutely essential is in this book. It should be read/taught at schools, universities, colleges, workshops - everywhere. It is a lesson on why we need to keep fighting for our basic human rights. It is why I will never be the same woman I was before.
• 
  Kathy

  A tough read. If you think you know how hard life is for the women on this planet, then this book will show you - you really don't know half of it.
  I found it in turns inspiring and overwhelming and had to skip parts as I couldn't take it all in.
• 
  Lisa Edwards

  Terrible cover, brilliant book. Facts, facts and more facts. Hard to argue with this but I'm sure some meninists will. Bloody wonderful and inspiring.