What She Said: Conversations About Equality

by Elizabeth Renzetti

One of Indigo’s Most Anticipated Canadian Books One of CBC Books’ Works of Canadian Nonfiction to Check Out This Fall

A passionate advocate for gender equity, and one of our most respected journalists, explores the most pressing issues facing women in Canada today with humour and heart.

The fight for women’s rights was supposed to have been settled. Or, to put it another way, women were supposed to have settled—for what we were grudgingly given, for the crumbs from the table that we had set. For thirty per cent of the seats in Canada’s Parliament; for five per cent of the CEO’s offices; for a tenth of the salary of male athletes; for the tiny per cent of sexual assault cases that result in convictions; for tenuous control over our health and bodies. "Aren’t we over it yet? No, we’re not," Elizabeth Renzetti writes.

In this book, Renzetti draws upon her own life story and her years as an award-winning journalist at the Globe and Mail, where her columns followed the trajectory of women's rights. Forcefully argued, accessible, and witty, What She Said explores a range of the increasingly hostile world of threats that deter young women from seeking a role in public life; the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual harassment and assault; the inadequacy of access to health care and reproductive justice, especially as experienced by Indigenous and racialized women; the ways in which future technologies must be made more inclusive; the disparity in pay, wealth, and savings, and how women are not yet socialized to be the best financial managers they can be; the imbalanced burden of care, from emotional labour to child care.

Renzetti explores the nuance of these issues, so often presented as divisive, with humour and sympathy, in order to unite women at a time when women must work together to protect their fundamental right to exist fully and freely in the world. What She Said is a rallying cry for a more just future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Feminism, Canada, Essays, Equality

Audible Audio

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

It all began in a small sod hut on the Prairies .... no, it didn't. It began with my failure to do well in math, which led to journalism school, which led to the Globe and Mail, which led to interviewing dozens (hundreds? it felt that way sometimes) of authors, which led to this run-on sentence that would have caused my first journalism professor to cut off my typing digits.
In short, I was one of those kids whose best friends were fictional characters. I walked into poles regularly because I read as I walked, and I was a better reader than a walker.
Then I was a journalist, first in Toronto and then in Los Angeles and London for the Globe and Mail, sometimes known as the Mope and Pail, Canada's national newspaper. All along, I continued to find ways to interview writers and study their alchemy from up close. How did they manage to turn the dull stuff of everyday life into the gold I read on the page? It seemed like something only a magician could do. It seemed like something I could never do.
Yet somehow I did, and there's a novel with a very bright pink cover to prove it (Based on a True Story, House of Anansi, June 2014).
It's a comedy. Or a tragi-comedy. I wish there were a better way to encapsulate laughter with bitterness, or disappointment, at its core. I wish I could coin such a word, the way Tyra Banks, in her genius, has given the English language "smize" (smile with your eyes.) If anyone has such a neologism at hand, please let me know. In the meanwhile, read. Enjoy. The two should be synonymous.

Reviews

[Paige Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

This is one of the few great socio-political books I’ve read about feminism that is 1. actually centred around Canada and its policies, 2. an appreciative and investigative inquiry that does not feel doomsday-esque, and 3. relevant and accrued from reliable sources. It covers everything from the gender-bias in the electoral system to intimate partner violence to the almighty Taylor Swift while harnessing the power of Renzetti’s journalistic background and personal anecdotes to create a well-rounded discussion of how being a woman in Canada is both a privilege and a challenge. Would highly recommend to everyone.

[Read by Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in this. I love reading about social justice topics, and misogyny is something I hope to learn more about. But reading this book felt like skimming stones across a lake — it touched a lot of surfaces, made a few ripples, but never sank in deep enough to leave a lasting impression.

[Sonya Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean are we surprised that some men are trash and the world is on fire????

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5, I only wish that men would read this book as I suspect it will be 99% women who pick it up

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply disappointed when Renzetti left the Globe. It was always one of the first places I went to in the paper. But she is back with this series of essays about women's equality in Canada. Pay gaps, sexual assault, domestic violence, aging, all come under her scrutiny, and it helps to see the current (or as current as a book can be, given that it was published in2024, and in that short time, much has changed already) Canadian perspective on these issues.

[Bonnie Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Pub Day ! The old journalism chestnut "write what you know" is on full display in this collection of well-executed essays by Canadian journalist Elizabeth Renzetti. Renzetti certainly knows of what she writes - female rage, misogyny, harassment, domestic abuse, the need to protect abortion rights, the perils of practising journalism while being a woman, etc. And on the eve of another divisive and chaotic American election, Renzetti's laser sharp analysis is even more necessary. While I don't agree with all of Renzetti's analysis on some issues including civic engagement in Toronto, I certainly agree with enough of it to want to continue fighting, protesting, arguing, making noise and taking up space. Unfortunately, the progress made, unmade, and not made reminds me of a recent experience charging an EV - after 45 minutes of patient and consistent charging, it only gained an additional 5% battery life. While the arc of the moral universe is long and bends toward justice, it is also doing so painfully slowly. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for e-ARC. Highly recommend.

[Shannon Webster Millward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so ready to give this five stars. I loved the Canadian focus on gender equality with an intersectional lens. But then… the epilogue. If you gave me a hundred guesses I would not have guessed that Renzetti would use the epilogue to write a love letter to Taylor Swift. It was so off putting and felt disjointed. I recommend anyone that wants to read this book to just skip the epilogue, it’s not needed and it’ll make you finish the book with a bad taste in your mouth.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Renzetti’s What She Said is a powerful, unflinching, and at times darkly funny exploration of the state of gender equality in Canada today. I absolutely loved this book—not only for its sharp analysis and eloquent writing, but for the way it captures the frustration so many of us feel: that in 2025, we should be further along.

Renzetti weaves together personal anecdotes and investigative journalism to examine the critical issues still facing women—from the staggering gender wage gap, to the near-impossibility of achieving justice in sexual assault cases, to the disproportionate burden of caregiving. She does this with clarity, wit, and hope.

What resonated with me most was her refusal to accept the status quo. She doesn’t just highlight injustices; she exposes the systems that perpetuate them and urges us to keep pushing for change. Her writing is empathetic and inclusive, especially when addressing how Indigenous and racialized women face layered and intersecting barriers to equity.

What She Said isn’t just a book—it’s a rallying cry. It reminds us that the fight for equality is far from over, and it encourages us to raise our voices, support one another, and demand more than crumbs. I finished the book feeling seen, validated, and inspired to keep working toward a future where all women can live fully and freely.

If you care about women’s rights, social justice, or simply want to understand the ongoing challenges of gender inequality in Canada, this book is a must-read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone concerned with the inequality of women's lives in Canada and the wider world today. This collection of well-researched, personal essays tackle a range of topics from intimate partner violence, medical misogyny, women's labor, the wage gap, aging, the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, politics, pop culture and so much more. Great on audio read by the author and an important call to action. HIGHLY recommended and I especially loved the chapter on the author's experience living with Crohn's!!

[leigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ any book that offers a Canadian perspective on women’s rights and equality is one I will always support. I listened to this one as an audio book and loved how each chapter focused on a different conversation about equality. I also liked the intersectional lens. it wasn’t anything super unique to what I’ve read before but I think it added something fresh and Canadian to an existing conversations.

also as a swifite, I really appreciated the epilogue and culturally relevant analysis of the impact of an artist I love.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, was enjoyable to read, but is laced with concerns in her arguments.
To be clear, I agree with her base thoughts that we have not found equality yet. However, she did not put the work in to find the underlying issues. For example, pay gap between women and men. Yes, it is an issue, but the bigger issue is the low percentage of women getting the opportunity to be promoted. Women are still not getting the same opportunities as men to hold Management and CEO positions. The book has many more examples such as this.
It just does not go far enough to be a genuine message in 2024 to help create equality.
Easy read, enjoyable, mostly accurate but we need more.

[Emily Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked this book but i also felt like it could have had more flow or transitions between chapters. it felt like 10 separate essays (which is A ok) but i don’t think it was supposed to be set up that way. i learned a lot though and it was very depressing to read parts of it

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many similar books but I really liked reading a purely Canadian perspective (although it made it more depressing and less easy to dismiss the problems as American).

[Melanie]

Unsure how to rate this book. Good read but kind of depressing

[Ellis Hayman]

Thank you Liz! A must read/listen (narrated by the author), imho.

[Marisa (Mirroredpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

Listened to audiobook

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important read especially the way the world is going!

[Misty Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What She Said was the perfect antidote to the overwhelming horror I feel as I watch the US backslide into the dark ages. As someone who also writes about gender and equality, I knew I'd enjoy this book, but didn't realize how much I would learn! Renzetti's years of experience, knowledge, and biting humour (which had me lol-ing in many parts) made this an exceptional read. The chapters on gender-based violence and financial disparities were stand-outs. I particularly appreciated the intersectional lens that Renzetti brought to her analysis, and the recognition that white women have not only benefited more from each wave of feminism, but have repeatedly failed to expand their fight for equality to include the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. We cannot be feminists if we do not stand up for the rights and freedoms of ALL people, but especially those (Black and Brown women, Indigenous women, trans women, gender-diverse people) who face the greatest threat from rising authoritarianism. As I finished this book I felt hopeful, galvanized and read to WORK.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciated the Canadian centered perspectives and stories. She included a discussion about misogyny towards Taylor Swift 👏

[Melissa Shivnauth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the authors acknowledgments about intersectionality, but it honestly felt like an afterthought with a couple extra statistics thrown in for good measure whenever we were talking about a specific issue (the exception being the MMIWG).

This might be harder to recognize over audiobook as well, but the specific kinds of conversations and the way they were sortedthroughout the story did not make sense to me in turns of flow Femicide and the missing murdered indigenous women, are deeper topics that I feel probably shouldn’t be left till near the end.

Admittedly, I did not love the epilogue specifically catered to Taylor Swift, and I definitely disagreed with the author’s beliefs of her influence on women (or rather, believe her brand of feminism caters specifically to predominantly white women).

I also expected there to be more about dismantling the structures of patriarchy and they often felt like small case studies (weak) or non-existent.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed Renzetti's conversations about equality; still have so far to reach equality for women but we must stay motivated regarding high rates of violence, especially intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, wage discrepancies, racialized harm, inequality in AI including STEM.
My favourite lines: "Care is what makes us whole, and human" (49); "What irony, if a global catastrophe (the Pandemic) is how we learn the value of care....You know the saying "well-behaved women seldom make history?" I'm glad we are starting to misbehave. (59); "all bodies are considered worthy of respect, and care, and autonomy" (83) "We think we've come so far, and really there's still so far to go" (102) stated after Greta Gerwig was not nominated for Director, nor Margot Robbie for best actress but Ryan Gosling was considered Oscar-worthy in Barbie movie. "The technology we live with, and therefore the essence of the world, has largely been designed by white men who share a particular view of that world" (238). Epilogue about Taylor Swift... "She is the embodiment of the maxim about living well being the best revenge. And that blitheness drives her critics mad" (255) "She states she wants to "deprogram the misogyny in my own brain. Toss it out, reject it, and resist it".... the dismantling is underway, and if the work seems unending, it is also invaluable and, to my mind, inevitable. It's possible to take on the work with joy-with a song!-and celebrate as we go. (256)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

With respect to non-fiction books, I have never read one as fast as I did Elizabeth Renzetti's WHAT SHE SAID. Typically, I chip away at them in pieces in between novels, taking some time to digest what I'm reading before moving on. But I devoured WHAT SHE SAID as I would the hottest read of the summer. I was completely engrossed, cheering Renzetti on as she so accessibly articulated the frustrations, devastations, and barriers women+ face today. She scrutinizes modern women's experiences in leadership roles and politics (the grotesquely misogynist nature of the political sphere is something I can personally attest to), the epidemic of femicide and male violence against women+, the gender wage gap, the undervaluation of caregiving, the monstrousness of non-disclosure agreements in assault and harassment claims, and more. 

With her signature searing insight and wit, Renzetti examines these topics with the precision of an enraged yet talented surgeon, carefully cutting to the systemic core of how and why women+ (and particularly racialized women) are so easily repressed, silenced, and exploited. In an era when many on the right are desperate to stamp out feminism as either dangerous or unnecessary, WHAT SHE SAID is a call to arms and a critical reminder that women+ can only ever be truly silenced if we decide to stop shouting. 

[Soni | soni.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

The fight for women’s rights was supposed to have been settled. Or, to put it another way, women were supposed to have settled—for what we were grudgingly given, for the crumbs from the table that we had set. Forcefully argued, accessible, and witty, What She Said explores a range of the increasingly hostile world of threats to women, while exploring the nuance of these issues, so often presented as divisive, with humour and sympathy, in order to unite women at a time when women must work together to protect their fundamental right to exist fully and freely in the world. What She Said is a rallying cry for a more just future.

Review:

This book is so timely with the current state of world affairs. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to make a difference, and most importantly it made me feel hopeful for the future. Sometimes it feels like we're going backwards on women's rights, and we are in some senses, but overall, women are louder and books like this exist that are able to call out exactly what is happening. We recently started a book club at my workplace, and this was the first book we read. Liz joined us for the discussion - all the attendees were so engaged and were hanging on to Liz's every word. The book reads this way as well - it's a must read for everyone, not just women, in today's day and age.

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Books Etc.

We live in a pretty unequal world. The people in power tend to look the same way and don’t want anyone who doesn’t look like them to stick their nose in. Thinking too much about this can be pretty disheartening so you’d think a whole book that tackles inequality in Canada would be a tough read. But no. In What She Said: Conversations About Equality, Elizabeth Renzetti takes the issues facing women in Canada and discusses them in an intelligent and, yes, sometimes humorous way.

Renzetti is a journalist by trade so this book is, as you’d expect, well researched and extremely accessible. Since it’s not one of her articles, it’s more biased but if you’re reading a book about feminism and gender inequality, you won’t be surprised by what she writes or in disagreement. I love that she had a mix of research, references to past stories she’d written or folks she’d interviewed, and personal experience. It made this book easy to read and I knew I was getting accurate information.

Each of the book’s ten chapters focuses on a different issue facing women in Canada today and each has an anchoring element than Renzetti uses to set the scene for the reader. In “Who Tells the Stories?”, it’s the Barbie movie and how women filmmakers are still fighting an uphill battle. In “What’s Your Sell-By Date?”, she references the firing of long-time news anchor Lisa LaFlamme as she discusses ageism and menopause. It was an excellent way to focus each short chapter and make it easier for the reader to frame the information and research she presents.

I especially loved that this book took a Canadian viewpoint. So many of these issues are, sadly, worldwide ones. And some are even worse in other countries. It was great to have a Canadian writer tackle the issues we see here at home instead of trying to Canadian-ize articles and research done in the USA. I liked that I knew the references she was making - usually! There are, of course, gaps in my knowledge but I was glad and thankful to have filled while reading this book.

What She Said is not all doom and gloom. There are many, many problems still facing women around the world but Elizabeth Renzetti still manages to find some hope in her latest book. Through her research and personal anecdotes, the reader can understand the past and, just maybe, start to imagine a more equal future.

*An egalley of this book was provided by the publisher, McClelland and Stewart (Penguin Random House Canada) via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great primer - a survey - a state of the union of sorts… and unabashedly Canadian! Give it to every young woman - and empathetic man - you know.

As a woman of a certain vintage, apparently 6 years older than the author, the problem is that with the exception of the last chapter - on AI - there was nothing new here. I didn’t learn anything that I didn’t already know… that I hadn’t already lived.

And that makes me want to scream!

Yes, we have accomplished a lot - if I’m being generous - but it is all so damnably slow to change. There is no excuse for that - except for the myriad reasons the author makes note of throughout.

My one “complaint” about this title: I do wish though that more time had been spent on proposing/presenting ideas about next steps, suggestions for concrete action to move us past where we are… since we of my generation seem not to have been able to move the needle near as far as it needs to go.

What can we suggest to those who follow us? What to try different than we did?

4.5 rounded up to 5

[J. Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Book. Ever!

This year, "What She Said" will be my go-to birthday present for all my girlfriends. It is a must read—especially with everything going on in the world which limits/obstructs/destroys/prevents/ controls women and girls.

I'm a 63 year-old daughter, sister, mom, teacher, author, friend, wife who has lived a full life yet is represented in each of Renzetti's chapters. My experiences, thoughts, worries, platforms and desires live on those pages and they are what I observe at work, in my community, in the Globe & Mail newspaper (which I have delivered to my home & read every day —support journalists!), in magazines/ novels, on the TV and radio . . .unfortunately, gender inequality/discrimination is everywhere.

Renzetti has a gift for "digging in" and I love that! She lays it all out there. It's time women start supporting women—and f#*k the patriarchy. We are heading in the wrong direction, girls! We have the power to make a difference!

AND, it's full of Canadian content! A definite plus! Elbows up, Ladies!

[Rebecca Ubhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

“One woman is killed by her partner every six days in Canada, on average. Others are killed by family members sons, fathers, brothers.”

This book made me so mad.

I will say that it’s great to see a book so centred around Canada and Canadian politics however, the content doesn’t make me any less aggravated.

—🖤—

Yeas after the killing spree in Renfrew County in Eastern Ontario, on September 2015, a report asked that the government of Ontario declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. The Conservative government refused, saying in a statement that IPv
"would not be considered an epidemic as it is not an infectious or communicable disease."

I was enraged when I read that. We hear so many stories from our neighbours that we share a border with (the US) however Canada is far from perfect.

—🖤—

The examples and case studies that were used in the book were great to read and give context. It was a relatively quick read, and I liked that it covered a bunch of different topics.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book reflects on different fields of occupation where women are at disadvantage and discriminated against.
it seems it took quite a few years to write it, because elizabeth renzetti talks with some women at different times, and they discuss if anything has changed since the last time they spoke.

i really enjoyed the narration, you can tell it’s written by a journalist, it doesn’t feel like a textbook at all (which i love in my nonfiction), but rather a conversation with a friend/mentor.
the content of this book was very valuable to me, i almost lost count of how many nonfiction books i added to my tbr.

even though reading about the challenges women face in this world was hard, the author tried to keep the mood up by including some solutions or suggestions to the problems, examples of good men and their views. i didn’t feel miserable after finishing it, more so hopeful.

[Whatithinkaboutthisbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

What She Said: Conversations about Equality by Elizabeth Renzetti
Narrator: Elizabeth Renzetti

A witty and insightful exploration of feminist issues, with each chapter addressing a distinct topic. The result is a compelling and wide ranging collection that covers everything from women’s rights and the Me Too Movement, to silencing victims through NDA’s, inadequate access to health, reproductive issues, disparity in pay and wealth, and the imbalanced burden of care on women for emotional labor. She ensures that each topic highlights the added burden on people of color and the poor.

Blending interviews, research, and personal stories, Renzetti brings critical feminist conversations to life with precision, humor and depth. This is an important and timely work that speaks directly to the challenges and conversations shaping our world today.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and uplifting book about the challenges facing women in society, written from a Canadian perspective. Renzetti was a columnist for the Globe and Mail newspaper for decades and the book includes interviews with Canadian women from all walks of life including former Prime Minister Kim Campbell. Renzetti also includes her own experiences as a journalist, wife, daughter and mother, which gives the book the tone of a memoir as well as a study of women's lives in Canada and the wider world. There are numerous serious issues addressed in the book and some of the statistics about the gender pay gap and violence against women are depressing but Renzetti always highlights examples of women making positive changes in their communities. An excellent book!