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Do It Like a Woman: ... and Change the World
In the last five years, the feminist movement has seen a radical upswell of energy and activism. We have been inspired by #LeanIn, we have found solidarity in #MeToo. We've pushed one another to be stronger and try harder. Caroline Criado-Perez's landmark book of feminist inspiration introduces us to the pioneers who motivated us to do it like a woman, including a female fighter pilot in Afghanistan; a Chilean revolutionary; the Russian punks who rocked out against Putin; and the Iranian journalist who dared to uncover her hair. This is a brilliant, necessary manifesto for women everywhere.
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Published January 7, 2021
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About the author
Caroline Criado Pérez
17 books1,744 followersCaroline Criado Pérez is a best-selling and award-winning writer, broadcaster and feminist campaigner. She is published across the major national media, and appears in both print and broadcast as a commentator on a wide range of topics.
Notable campaigns include getting a female historical figure on Bank of England banknotes; getting Twitter to introduce a "report abuse" button on tweets; getting the first statue of a woman (Millicent Fawcett) in Parliament Square.
Her first book, Do it Like a Woman, was published by Portobello in 2015. It was described as “a must-read” by the Sunday Independent and “rousing and immensely readable” by Good Housekeeping who selected it as their “best non-fiction”. Eleanor Marx hailed it in the New Statesman as “an extended and immersive piece of investigative journalism,” while Bridget Christie chose it as one of her books of the year in the Guardian, declaring that “young girls and women everywhere should have a copy.”
Her second book, INVISIBLE WOMEN: exposing data bias in a world designed for men, was published in March 2019 by Chatto & Windus in the UK & Abrams in the US. It is a #1 Sunday Times bestseller and spent 16 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller lists. It is being translated into nineteen languages, and is the winner of the 2019 Royal Society Science Book Prize, the 2019 Books Are My Bag Readers Choice Award, and the 2019 Financial Times Business Book of the Year Award. It was described by Caitlin Moran as "one of those books that has the potential to change things – a monumental piece of research." Melanie Reid in The Times called Invisible Women "a game-changer...making an unanswerable case and doing so brilliantly…the ambition and scope – and sheer originality – of Invisible Women is huge...It should be on every policymaker, politician and manager’s shelves," a sentiment that was echoed by Nicola Sturgeon who described it as "revelatory," adding that "it should be required reading for policy and decision makers everywhere."
Caroline lives in London with her small excitable dog, Poppy, has a degree in English language and literature from the University of Oxford, and studied behavioural and feminist economics at the LSE. She was the 2013 recipient of the Liberty Human Rights Campaigner of the Year award, and was named OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015.
Notable campaigns include getting a female historical figure on Bank of England banknotes; getting Twitter to introduce a "report abuse" button on tweets; getting the first statue of a woman (Millicent Fawcett) in Parliament Square.
Her first book, Do it Like a Woman, was published by Portobello in 2015. It was described as “a must-read” by the Sunday Independent and “rousing and immensely readable” by Good Housekeeping who selected it as their “best non-fiction”. Eleanor Marx hailed it in the New Statesman as “an extended and immersive piece of investigative journalism,” while Bridget Christie chose it as one of her books of the year in the Guardian, declaring that “young girls and women everywhere should have a copy.”
Her second book, INVISIBLE WOMEN: exposing data bias in a world designed for men, was published in March 2019 by Chatto & Windus in the UK & Abrams in the US. It is a #1 Sunday Times bestseller and spent 16 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller lists. It is being translated into nineteen languages, and is the winner of the 2019 Royal Society Science Book Prize, the 2019 Books Are My Bag Readers Choice Award, and the 2019 Financial Times Business Book of the Year Award. It was described by Caitlin Moran as "one of those books that has the potential to change things – a monumental piece of research." Melanie Reid in The Times called Invisible Women "a game-changer...making an unanswerable case and doing so brilliantly…the ambition and scope – and sheer originality – of Invisible Women is huge...It should be on every policymaker, politician and manager’s shelves," a sentiment that was echoed by Nicola Sturgeon who described it as "revelatory," adding that "it should be required reading for policy and decision makers everywhere."
Caroline lives in London with her small excitable dog, Poppy, has a degree in English language and literature from the University of Oxford, and studied behavioural and feminist economics at the LSE. She was the 2013 recipient of the Liberty Human Rights Campaigner of the Year award, and was named OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 11, 2018
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.
"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.
January 27, 2016
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.
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.
February 13, 2017
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.
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.
January 30, 2025
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.
December 10, 2016
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.
October 28, 2016
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.
September 22, 2020
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.
April 30, 2016
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.
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.
November 1, 2017
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.
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.
October 25, 2016
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.
August 16, 2025
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.
July 4, 2021
I think this is a "must-read" for everyone! Men as wel as women. There's still so much work to be done!!
January 7, 2021
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.
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.
September 14, 2023
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.
September 5, 2021
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.
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.
July 18, 2020
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.
July 24, 2022
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!!!!
April 6, 2023
Inspired by these amazing women.
June 26, 2024
Loved it so much ordered a copy to send to my daughter!
December 31, 2024
Lots of interesting examples of women who have taken on misogyny and refused to accept decisions of societies which deny their choices.
July 3, 2025
Filled with inspiring stories of women overcoming horrific odds. Had to take notes on some names to fill my arsenal when I hear men say that women already have equal rights.
I was humbled, enraged, inspired, and motivated to bring down the patriarchy.
I was humbled, enraged, inspired, and motivated to bring down the patriarchy.
March 19, 2022
A must-read for everyone!!
May 11, 2017
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.
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.
July 20, 2016
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!!
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!!
July 24, 2023
It is interesting because this book came out before Invisible Women, yet I felt that book was significantly better than Do It Like a Woman. I read this because I had previously read Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez and thought it was a brilliant book. As I went into this book with such high expectations, I finished it disappointed.
I learned a few things in this book, but I just got bored with it. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book but I’m grateful I have read it. I would give it two stars but the narration in the audiobook version from Caroline Criado Pérez was passionate and clear so I feel it deserves an extra star.
I learned a few things in this book, but I just got bored with it. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book but I’m grateful I have read it. I would give it two stars but the narration in the audiobook version from Caroline Criado Pérez was passionate and clear so I feel it deserves an extra star.
December 31, 2016
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.
June 8, 2017
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.
June 21, 2015
An omnibus of contemporary women's rights issues: important, fascinating stories told with flair. Criado Perez structures her writing so that, rather than reading arguments, you're reading inescapable truths. Excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews