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Original poster

Invisible Women

63 replies

CharlieDickens · 28/10/2024 23:40

I'm in the middle of reading this book which is fascinating. A lot of the things she discusses are what I consider big ticket items, the disparity in pay, technology not being suitable, the fact that medical trials are mostly performed on men.

It's really got me thinking about the small ways women's needs are ignored / not taken seriously. Already, I'm thinking about my daily interactions and whether I've been living in a bubble where people are nice to me but actually it's more like I've woken up and I can see all the bullshit.

This morning I noticed it when a damp proof specialist tried to charge me up front. I lost it and told him not to be so ridiculous and then he backed down. Men are ALWAYS trying it on for either sex, money or just to show us how amazing they are. I can see it clearly now.

I'm right aren't I? Rant over

OP posts:
Bannedontherun · 28/10/2024 23:46

Hello your eyes have been opened

andIsaid · 29/10/2024 03:32

Well, welcome.

The problem is that it is no fun over here! 😁

AngelicKaty · 29/10/2024 04:02

You mean the book "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado-Perez about the gender data gap? Yes, it's excellent, fascinating and infuriating because it makes you aware of the many and varied ways man's world conspires to disadvantage women - sometimes thoughtlessly, but often deliberately. Her research and analysis is so thorough, but her reward for this weighty tome? Abuse, harassment, rape and death threats from misogynistic keyboard warriors (and some were from a woman!).😡

Endthisshit · 29/10/2024 06:23

Were those threats from the original boook? I dont think its that old, I read the first edition, thought it had been updated, didn’t know about the abuse she received though that’s shocking, the book was a real eye (re) opener for me.

TheaBrandt · 29/10/2024 06:29

Remember the shock of being a new mum navigating London public transport with a tiny baby and realising the world had been designed for and by able bodied unaccompanied men. How was I supposed to on my own fold my buggy to get on a bus with a sleeping baby in it and lots of bags?

ATowerOfGiraffes · 29/10/2024 06:53

If you want more, Caroline has a substack and you can subscribe to her (roughly weekly) newsletters where she provides news/updates on more data gap issues - Google "invisible women email updates" and it should get you to the right place

Sajacas · 29/10/2024 07:15

It is a really great book! Caroline Criado Perez is a great writer.
You can also sign up to her newsletter to get more up to date examples of things to get irate over.

https://newsletter.carolinecriadoperez.com/

I like reading it because it helps in 'feminism is over' kinds of conversations. She has some especially good posts on her substack about the recent horror story of abortion care in the US.

Invisible Women | Caroline Criado Perez | Substack

Keeping up with the gender data gap (and whatever else takes my fancy). Click to read Invisible Women, by Caroline Criado Perez, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers.

https://newsletter.carolinecriadoperez.com

Original poster
CharlieDickens · 29/10/2024 07:23

Definitely will. I have my own list of things that annoy me too.

OP posts:
INeedAPensieve · 29/10/2024 07:26

I've always wanted to read this book, might get it. Always good to have a few more on the shelf! I've read Hags which is also good and my next one to read is the women who wouldn't wheesht which is about all the nonsense that's been going on up here in Scotland.

RayonSunrise · 29/10/2024 09:12

AngelicKaty · 29/10/2024 04:02

You mean the book "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado-Perez about the gender data gap? Yes, it's excellent, fascinating and infuriating because it makes you aware of the many and varied ways man's world conspires to disadvantage women - sometimes thoughtlessly, but often deliberately. Her research and analysis is so thorough, but her reward for this weighty tome? Abuse, harassment, rape and death threats from misogynistic keyboard warriors (and some were from a woman!).😡

And when the first edition came out, a few bright sparks on Twitter started to promote it, then realised it was about women's physical reality and so denounced it (and her) for "transphobia..." Confused

BlackeyedSusan · 29/10/2024 09:35

Shelves in supermarkets! Too high. I'm average height for a woman too! Definitely designed by men.

biddyboo · 29/10/2024 09:44

I read her latest newsletter this morning, so had a chat with dh about it. I read him her stats about grip strength, which are pretty astonishing. I have been trying to open his eyes about all this and make him realise all the things he can take for granted because he is a man.

DontStopMe · 29/10/2024 09:48

It is well worth reading. I got it when it came out, and there's so much well-researched, evidenced stuff. All the things you have always suspected are there with references and so much more.
I think I might dig out my copy for another read.

Ladyof2024 · 29/10/2024 10:51

The heights of the seats of chairs, and beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters are all based on a male height. In A&E recently I could not get my bum onto the bed without using a step. I am not unusually short, either, I am 5ft 3.

IOSTT · 29/10/2024 10:53

I have avoided reading this book, as I know if I read it, I will be fuming for the rest of my life!

AngelicKaty · 29/10/2024 11:07

Endthisshit · 29/10/2024 06:23

Were those threats from the original boook? I dont think its that old, I read the first edition, thought it had been updated, didn’t know about the abuse she received though that’s shocking, the book was a real eye (re) opener for me.

I think the abuse came on the back of her successful campaign to have women represented on bank notes instead of the usual roll-call of white men - she became a household name because of this and attracted huge amounts of hate and abuse (two trolls who were identified - a woman and a man - were tried and served prison time) and then, of course, she couldn't breathe without some misogynist posting abuse about her.

AngelicKaty · 29/10/2024 11:14

IOSTT · 29/10/2024 10:53

I have avoided reading this book, as I know if I read it, I will be fuming for the rest of my life!

Do read it - it's SO worth it. I read out pages at a time to DH so he could understand how "default male" adversely affects women. This was about 10 years ago and I'm not as angry now as I was then ..... 😉😂 I honestly think it should be studied as part of the secondary school curriculum (I know, it'll never happen).

MrSeptember · 29/10/2024 11:19

I get the rage thing. I had to read it in chunks because it made me.so angry.

Dh read it too and it was a huge eye opener for him. He's a musician and the chapter on piano keys really really blew his mind. Our dd is getting into piano and I suspect at some point he's going to want to buy a smaller piano/keyboard as he is so outraged by the issue!

Some of the sections on developing worlds and war zones was absolutely heart breaking.

DontStopMe · 29/10/2024 11:21

I honestly think it should be studied as part of the secondary school curriculum (I know, it'll never happen).

It absolutely should be required reading for everyone: especially all the boys who haven't a clue about how things might affect women.

ramonaquimby · 29/10/2024 11:23

Great book. This isn't entirely unrelated. I'm recovering from a hysterectomy, taking it slow etc. Within the paperwork I received (or may have seen it online) was a chart highlighting when I might start returning to things. It suggested that I can ask a family member to set up the ironing board/iron , being careful not to lift the laundry basket or put the board away mind 🙄
What are the chances this is on notes for men recovering from abdominal surgeries?!

MrSeptember · 29/10/2024 11:28

DontStopMe · 29/10/2024 11:21

I honestly think it should be studied as part of the secondary school curriculum (I know, it'll never happen).

It absolutely should be required reading for everyone: especially all the boys who haven't a clue about how things might affect women.

Even just as part 9f their life skills pr.PSHE lessons - a few chapters would be great.

HiccupHorrendousHaddock · 29/10/2024 11:29

My condolences, OP. You will spend at least the next 3 months in a state of fury as you see more and more of it.

I’m five years in and occasionally it still bursts out. On the plus side, a lot is changing as a direct result of the book. I was part of the project getting a copy sent to every MP

Original poster
CharlieDickens · 29/10/2024 11:34

Bannedontherun · 28/10/2024 23:46

Hello your eyes have been opened

It's one of those things I knew but didn't appreciate until now. I've been at the receiving end of the justice system this year which I'm realising is completely designed for the protection of men. Now I've seen misogyny at its worst, I'm seeing it in everything.

OP posts:
HiccupHorrendousHaddock · 29/10/2024 11:44

If you want another eye-opening but frustrating one, Bad Science by Ben Goldacre is good.

NPET · 29/10/2024 12:06

A friend (male) became disabled after a car accident and said to me "Nothing has been designed for me, everything's for the able-bodied".
I said "welcome to the world of anyone who's non white, or non straight, or non able-bodied, or non male - the majority!".