The Autonomy of a Woman’s Body - By Salems Avenue

Written By: Salems Avenue

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the compelling essay "The Autonomy of a Woman’s Body," Salems Avenue delves into the profound complexities surrounding women's autonomy and societal perceptions. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Salems Avenue offers a reflective piece that challenges prevailing norms and encourages a re-evaluation of how women's bodies are viewed and treated. This essay serves as a poignant exploration of identity, control, and self-worth amidst entrenched societal expectations.

About the Work

Salems Avenue's essay is a powerful examination of the societal constructs surrounding women's bodies. Through incisive prose, the work grapples with themes of body sovereignty, societal judgment, and the internal struggle for self-acceptance. The narrative is infused with vivid imagery and emotional depth, inviting readers to reflect on the pervasive impact of misogyny. The piece is not just a critique but a call to action for reclaiming autonomy and fostering self-love as a form of resistance.

The autonomy of a woman’s body

Original Submission by Salems Avenue

The autonomy of a woman’s body.

Who am I?

Am I a cage wrought in flesh? A bag of beating organs and pumping blood?

A body? Am I merely my body? If so, then within the confines of flesh, bone and muscle, there lies a soul and a mind that is capable of conscious thought. A mass of pink matter which has allowed me to put forth this piece. Is this then a work of my brain’s? Or maybe my soul? Either way, one or the other, possibly both, have brought to life these thoughts in the form of this essay.

On social media, there are many ways a woman’s body can be described. A temple. A sacred pillar worthy of worship and divinity. Something to take care to maintain and be selective about who enters it. Or it can be said to be an indicator of a woman’s desirability. I have even seen people dictate which body type’s when adorned in slightly more revealing clothing are deemed as being more “rapeable” or otherwise, at a higher risk of being suspectible to rape. In this way, I have found my conclusion. My body has never been mine entirely. It may be attached to me, but it has never solely belonged to me.

My body, as have many women’s, has been subject to perception and through this perception, we are met with comments, ratings and cruelty. I cannot tell you how many times I have felt so deeply uncomfortable in my own skin that I wished I could peel it off my very bones and merely be a skeleton. I’m either too fat or too skinny. My clothes are either too revealing or too baggy. When I’m showing too much skin, I am faced with the perverted gazes of men old enough to be my father and when I’m not showing enough skin, I’m treated as though I am sub-human by the same men who would be drooling over me, had I shown more.

A woman's body truly does dictate how we are treated, and the unfortunate thing is that this does not only apply to how men will treat us but women too. As women, we judge each other, put one another down and it’s all done in the name of being favourable to other men. This is what can be dubbed as being male-centered. A comment hurled at women to define their behaviour. To condemn them for the consequences formed by men. The very body I am meant to feel comfortable in becomes a chamber of unrelenting discomfort. Some days I find that I would rather stay home to avoid being perceived, rather than go out and possibly have the best day of my life. It is not that I hate my body, but the beauty standards we are forced to measure ourselves against and the vile, repugnant minds of men make it near impossible to ever love oneself and their body wholly.

I sometimes wonder what the world would be like had we stripped away the perception of our bodies? Would I hold more respect for this vessel which provides me with mobility? Would I feel less paranoid about getting raped if I were to wear something that shows a bit more skin? I have no idea, for it is a reality I am incapable of even envisioning, due to how oppressive society has always been towards women. Yet, I still desire it. I still dream of a world where my body does not define me nor the way I am treated.

I do firmly believe my body is a temple, but I cannot totally subscribe to the notion that one must be selective of who enters it, because I know the root of that idea. As with everything else I have detailed, it is all so deeply rooted in misogyny that one cannot hope to diverge from it without still somehow subscribing to misogynistic ideals. Purity culture is rooted in misogyny, but then so is “whore” culture. If we deviate from one in hopes of escaping the control and influence of men, we still end up in a place where they have exerted their power. We are still trapped in the cage they have confined us to. And it is horrifying to realise that our bodies too have become a cage. One that we will never be able to escape. One that we can only come to terms with in a light that we can attempt to dictate. In this way, I suppose we take back some semblance of control.

I cannot separate my body from this foundation built upon misogyny. I cannot find absolute security in my body when everything is built on the idea that a woman’s body is in some way under the control and influence of a man. But it’s still my body. It is my sovereign. I am the one that sustains it. That cares for it. That deals with the bad health days and the horrors of bleeding from my uterus. I experience it all through this vessel, so why should I have to concern myself with being more desirable for a man? Why should I concern myself with whether what I’m wearing is too “slutty”? Or if it's too baggy? If it is mine, then these are concerns I never should have.

And yet… These are concerns all women have, even young children who are not even able to comprehend the meaning of misogyny. These are concerns they have, in order to keep themselves safe and feel comfortable in their own bodies. I have little hope that this will ever change but I believe that women are capable of taking our sovereignty back slowly. In small ways. Our bodies are a temple indeed. It is our homeland. They are worthy of respect and autonomy. Perhaps, we will never have complete control over this but a lot of the times, the smallest acts of change can make the biggest difference.

All over the world women’s autonomy is being taken away forcefully. All over the world women are being raped without justice. All over the world women are being used for their bodies, being weighed against the desirability of their bodies, and are being subject to unrealistic and impossible beauty standards. We have to reclaim our bodies back. We have to love our bodies, even if it is not what others find desirable, even if it is not what you find desirable. The greatest act of rebellion in a society where men have so much control and power over women, spanning back years and years, is to love ourselves.

One day, the war will be won and our bodies will no longer be a cage of flesh, no longer be a burden. It will be ours. Wholly. It will belong only to us. It truly does start with the smallest of change. For all one needs is a spark before a blazing fire can be created. Every revolution has started with one voice demanding change, where it then becomes a nation fighting as one. One day, we will have our autonomy again.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expression. This international competition offers a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives and showcase their literary talents. With a focus on originality and depth, the competition seeks to highlight works that resonate with readers, fostering a global community of storytellers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Salems Avenue for sharing their profound essay, "The Autonomy of a Woman’s Body," with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your courage in addressing challenging societal themes is inspiring and contributes to a larger dialogue on autonomy and empowerment. We appreciate your voice and look forward to witnessing the impact of your work.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.