Colour of Magic is the first Discworld, and one of Pratchett's first novels. He grew into his voice a lot more over the course of the next fifty-something novels.

Most of the strongest, most unique women I've read have been of Pratchett's creation. And not just heroes that happen to be described as female, but fully fleshed out women ranging from feminists who wish to support their husband to trans females pretending to be males dressing as women in order to fight the patriarchy.

If you're willing to give the Discworld another go, and I urge you to, there's a couple of reading order guides online. 'Guards, Guards!' is generally recommended as a good starting point, but I'd also suggest Wyrd Sisters, Mort, Going Postal, or if you really want to dive into the gender thing, Equal Rites or Monstrous Regiment.