“Bend over, shut up and take what we give you,” was the response I received to my last column, pleading for women to work against promoting the objectification of our gender.

I was told women will never be equal, that we will always be objects to our peers, coworkers and clientele.

It is my belief that with combined efforts of both genders, change can be implemented. By proving ourselves as being capable of what men can do, perhaps we can progress beyond the images we carry as “objects” in men’s eyes.

I’m not blaming either gender for the current inequalities and the slow progressive movement toward fair treatment.

The letter said “… even if you forced other women to quit their jobs and then placed them into more ‘suitable’ professions, you (women) would still be objectified by men. If you wear a low-cut shirt, we’ll try to look down it; if you wear a miniskirt, we’ll try to look up it; if we stare long enough, we’ll start to wonder how good you are in the sack.”

That is not how it has to be. When people work for things and take the initiative, change comes. Women are capable of making those changes.

I am capable of making an intelligent argument and standing up for what I believe in, and I am a woman.

I’m in the top 10 percent of journalism majors, I’ve carried leadership roles throughout my life, including leading diverse staffs such as here at The Daily Eastern News.

For every guy who has approached me with some lame line about how good they can make me feel, I’ve met one or two I could talk to and laugh with and leave knowing I was treated as a human being.

I’ve put myself through school with hard work and scholarships so the only stripping I’ve had to do was to get into the shower.

I’ve been hired based on the credentials listed on my resume and not my curves or lack thereof.

I can change a tire, swear at an umpire, shove a hook through a minnow’s head and later take a bigger fish off that hook- and I am a woman.

I can throw, catch, sweat and spit- and I am a woman.

I can use screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and a needle and thread.

I can drive on the expressway during rush hour and apply mascara in my rearview mirror while doing it.

I know what a hat trick is and that a handicap in golf doesn’t require a wheelchair or special parking privileges- and I am a woman.

I kicked, yelled and cried when Moises Alou couldn’t catch a foul and Alex Gonzalez missed a play at short that led to lost chances of the Cubs making it to the World Series.

I can build a fire, sleep in a tent and row a canoe. I can cook a four-course meal, wash dishes and vacuum.

I can differentiate between a referee’s good calls and bad calls and between real Burberry and knockoffs.

I can run barefoot, in a pair of Nikes or in 3-inch high-heeled knee-length boots. I know the benefits of wearing shorts and tall socks under baseball pants to prevent scars and a bloody mess, and I know the benefits of nylons, seamless bras and thongs in creating a professional, line-free ensemble.

I’ve loved people, lost people, hurt people and had people hurt me.

I know the importance of listening to peoples’ problems, telling the truth and being compassionate.

I know that in life, it takes a person’s character, hard work and dedication to attain success.

I go to sleep every night and wake up every morning, and despite any other doubts I may have in this world, I am confident I can respect myself and I will one day find success- And I am a woman.