As a female, we are placed with obstacles that we are expected to tolerate, regardless of the difficulties that may arise. On top of having to endure, we are also left with the fact that men criticize and judge our every move, in what Mainardi sees as complaints from males. No one is exempt from this and I personally am all too familiar with this scenario, as I see it even with the older generations within my family. I understand the liberated woman to be a person who is able to see amidst what is said, read between the lines and handle herself as these situations come about. This week’s reading reaffirmed my belief that to be a woman is to be complex, be it in terms of our biological anatomy, our minds and our emotions. I personally see the importance not only in men understanding our bodies, but in us understanding ourselves deeply first, that way we can easily see when men do not truly see us for who we are. I think self-awareness stems from not having been understand in intimate relationships, which can be duly noted when men do not know how to help women reach orgasm. This is what a liberated woman is, someone who knows herself well enough to not allow a man who does not appreciate her enough to attempt to get to know her, around her and into her life. Self-awareness, autonomy and assertiveness arte key elements for a liberated women and this week’s reading helped me understand as to why, on a deeper level.

            A liberated woman is vital for women’s liberation because a liberated woman knows herself well enough to know how critical women’s liberation is, to our wellbeing collectively. A liberated woman knows herself and is not afraid to fight for what is right. Feminism requires a liberated woman because the patriarchy is an institution that has been instilled in many and we need fierce women to help tear it down and ensue liberty, equality and justice for all!

            The readings from this week show that the “personal is political” through showcasing that all problems must be acknowledged in order to create real change in the world. When we choose to disregard or ignore our true feelings, we are holding back ourselves in a collective way. It is important to be vocal because that is how the feminist movement even came to be- through the courage of those who saw the unfairness and inequality, and decided that they would not settle for that.