Interesting topic, kage.

All of this is only my opinion.

I think that people need to be fully aware of the fact that they own their own bodies and their own sexuality. People should not be ashamed of their bodies and feel like they have to hide their bodies and the fact that they are sexual beings. hey world, women enjoy sex too.
They also shouldn't feel like they must show off, like they owe something to people they don't know to be pretty figurines, ornaments.

Women should have the confidence to pursue and to initiate relationships instead of relying on men. Which is a little redundant in this guild, but I want to quote Dossie&Janet anyway "We can't all be sleeping beauties waiting for princess charming..."

On the other hand, putting on sexual displays solely for the pleasure of men is certainly degrading. Using sex to sell is degrading, objectification of women is degrading.

The defining element for me is how personal the display in question is. Is it because it makes you feel good, or is it because it will make people notice you? (If being noticed is what makes you feel good that's cool too. Be safe, use dental dams/non-latex gloves.)

Example: I don't see anything empowering about pole-dancing. Wearing a short skirt because you love the sun on your legs (or your beloved has a thing for skirts, or it just makes you feel sexy and confident, etc.) and you've decided not to listen to people who say that's immodest or "asking for it", definitely more empowering.