The last part of the book speaks of "conceiving the self", meaning when do we know who we are? Studies done by Vy Gotsky (1978) suggest that exterior "dialogues are a necessary precursor to inner speach and an awareness of one's own thought process". If you grew up with a mom that was very quiet and subdued, did that change who you became as an adult? The book uses the term "silent women" for those women who were always just part of the background, what I would call just wallpaper. It is there every day and you never notice it.
The book suggests an utopic place where instructors (women in particular) have the freedom to make their own decisions and decide on their own curriculum without being judged or supervised by someone who would take their voice away.
Reflecting on this book, I am glad I read it because it made me understand more about myself. It also made me realize what a difference we make in the younger generations by speaking our minds and especially speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. I work a lot with abused animals and abused children and women. Whether it is popular or not, I will keep having a loud voice to help them, and will first and foremost help empower them to find their own voices.
I think the best help you can give anyone is to encourage and help empower them to achieve their dreams and overcome their past.
I hope I can always be a positive influence and hopefully make a difference in someone's life.
