Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Did you know, although women are less likely to be in a car accident, when they are, they are 47% more likely to be seriously injured? Welcome to Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. A book which, through research and statistics, explores the various ways in which women are systematically ignored in daily life, the workplace and even going to the doctor.
I first heard of this book through the twitter grapevine when I stumbled across an article on the Guardian which briefly ran through some of its main points. I was intrigued, and swiftly ordered a copy for myself.
The book is split into chapters which explore each of the following areas;
- Daily life
- The workplace
- Design
- Going to the doctor
- Public life
- What happens when it goes wrong
It also doesn't limit itself to the UK or English-speaking countries. These issues are happening to women worldwide.
Please note: this blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to make a purchase after using my links I’ll receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Highlights
I feel like this is a book which is relatable to so many women. Since finishing it, I've found myself noticing things I'd never noticed before. For example: I have never been able to reach the top shelves in my kitchen. Until recently, I've never questioned 'why?'
How often do you go to use the restroom and find a long queue outside the women's, while the men's is comically empty? Is it fair to have an equal number of male/female toilets when women typically take 2.3 times longer to use the loo?
My hockey club recently renovated its clubhouse and we were asked which new toilet set-up we would prefer; 2 male toilets and 1 female toilet (because "there are more male club members than women") OR 3 gender-neutral toilets. Surprisingly all the ladies went for option 2, as long as every toilet contains a sanitary bin (of course).
The chapter which stood out for me is that on health. Women often don't experience the typical "Hollywood Heart Attack" symptoms you might be familiar with, such as chest and left-arm pain. They are more likely to present with stomach pain, nausea and fatigue. My Nan passed away from a heart attack a few years ago. She was 65 years old. I couldn't help but wonder if this could have been prevented had her symptoms been more easily recognised.
Conclusion
If you only read one book this year, make it this one. I've already recommended it to my mum, sister, auntie, cousin and all my friends. Some of the statistics are shocking, and going forward I will not be keeping quiet when faced with some of the issues raised in this book.
It sounds right up my street - added to my amazon basket
Gosh, how interesting! I just read this blog post out to my other half who said that it's so true and yet sometimes I don't even notice it. Apparently there have been many times that I have been treated differently in his presence and it frustrates him that I don't even notice sometimes.
It's so interesting to hear from a man's perspective too. I was talking about this with my boyfriend and there's some stuff he hadn't even noticed/realised (although he definitely does now!)
I'm adding this to my reading list, it sounds fascinating!
This sounds a very interesting read, I haven't heard of it before and data basis isn't a concept I had thought about in truth. Thanks, Mich x
Wow, I bet this is a real eye-opener. I'm going to add it to my Goodreads list.
What an interesting book with so many facts. I may try nad get a copy to read it.
I don't tend to read often but this does sound interesting. I like it relates to real life and makes you think.
Sounds like an interesting read, it's only when you start to think about how things are designed to you realise that they may not be great for both genders