Gender roles in "The House of Mango Street"

In a book "The House of Mango street", Sandra Cisneros talked about female identity and describing women as "voiceless" and "powerless". Esperanza narrates the story of Ruthie who got married and moved away to a pretty house outside the city. She was curious why does Ruthie is still living on Mango Street and sleeping on a coach in her mother's living room. Also the Ruthie's husband never showed up to pick her up. This means that the Chicano women don't have an ability to make decisions and a courage to speak up.  

Through the Esperanza's character, Cisneros tells the story of a girl who doesn't want to belong to the low expectation neighborhood. The author is comparing Esperanza to the four trees which grow despite concrete.

Do you think Cisneros is trying to convey her message that women and girls should speak up from themselves and think about their own empowerment?