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The written word and female freedom

From the beginning, women’s access to the written word has been a source of fear for men and some women, too. For centuries, the world was rigidly glued to the patriarchal system, and even now, in the 21st century, its remnants are still widespread. Fortunately, this straitjacket is slowly but surely beginning to dissolve.

We, as female writers and journalists, can only be grateful for the work and the struggle of our female predecessors. And yet, even today, if you continuously educate yourself, read widely, stay sharp, and speak your mind—especially as a woman—you are often seen as intimidating. When you then share your voice publicly, people tend to be harsher and more suspicious. In other words: we must fight harder and endure more criticism than our male colleagues to be taken seriously.

This is partly because we juggle many aspects of life and, as a result, are often pigeonholed as magazine writers focused on “female” topics like health, family, and fashion. I would be the last to downplay the importance of those themes—they certainly enrich our lives—but to suggest that women are only interested in such things is far from the truth. Moreover, having to prove otherwise is an unnecessary battle.

The fact that some perceive us as “dangerous” stems from something deeper. It’s about freedom—and claiming that freedom—as a person, as a woman… and, on top of that, striving to make a meaningful contribution to the world around you. It’s about daring to take the floor and shaping your words so that they hit home. It’s also about the freedom to read and interpret any book or news article, to make it part of your own thinking, without needing anyone’s permission.

The written word offers the opportunity to reflect, to feel whether something resonates with you. Even more than simply having the right to read or write, it’s about the freedom to choose whether or not to engage with content. It keeps you critical, alert—making manipulation nearly impossible. And only those with vested interests are afraid of that.

A well read woman is a dangerous creature – Lisa Kleypas

Deeper thinking can lead us to discover who we are and what we still want to uncover in this world—including the world built by words. You’re no longer a bird for the cat; you decide for yourself what you want to explore. Many still can’t understand that every human being—regardless of gender—is born naked, alone, and inherently free. No individual or system has the right to take that from you. Even if they put you in a golden cage or a prison, reading can still open up other worlds—if you allow it. That expands your awareness and can make you infinitely creative.

But is that truly dangerous?

From the moment you were born, you were plugged into the Matrix, buried under rules and restrictions. If you break free of that, you become someone to be feared, because it means your thoughts can no longer be controlled.

We, the vigilant writers and journalists, possess at our core a free and nonjudgmental moral compass. We must continue to educate ourselves. We are called to stay awake in a world that, paradoxically, thirsts for peace yet feeds on blood.

Word Choice

Once you’ve chosen to speak up—a step that already demands a personal liberation from fear and criticism—the next challenge is word choice. The words you use to express what matters to you, and the freedom you take to share that with the world.

Yes, it helps when writing flows easily, but following too many rules can also restrict freedom and block creative flow. Delivering your message with punch and precision is essential. The intention behind your writing truly matters: What are you trying to achieve, and who do you want to reach? Do you want to incite conflict, aim for resolution, or simply present facts without a hidden agenda?

The beauty is that we can be fully aware of what works best and when. You don’t always have to tread carefully; sometimes you need to speak clearly, unapologetically—even wildly or shockingly. Again, this is about embracing freedom and being prepared for its immediate consequences. This is what gives critical literature or powerful journalism its impact.

I’m deeply grateful for that, because it means we can confront and name injustice, bring it to light, and tell stories that might move the needle, perhaps even resolve something in time.

There is never a reason to fear stepping out of restrictive boxes—to go where you want to go, read what matters to you, and become wholly yourself: authentic in voice and in presence.

Is that something to fear—or exactly what our world has always needed?

So, let us become freer, bolder, and sexier in our words!

Image: Marilyn Monroe reading the Daily News