In "When Women Were Birds," Terry Tempest Williams explores the theme of voice and silence, particularly in relation to women's experiences. She reflects on how the act of naming and expressing one's thoughts is often intertwined with identity and empowerment. When something cannot be named, it creates a sense of unease and disruption, revealing the challenges women face in fully articulating their lives and stories.

Williams delves into the power of language and the significance of reclaiming one's narrative. By highlighting Roland Barthes' assertion that unnamable experiences lead to disturbance, she emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice and speaking truths that have been historically silenced. This journey toward self-expression is vital for personal and collective healing.