Thought-provoking words from inspirational women
Many countries recently observed International Women’s Day, and March is Women’s History Month in the United States, so I felt it would be an appropriate time to share some thought-provoking words about women by women.
Just a note before I start. When I talk about female empowerment, it’s not about hating men or saying women are better than men. It is about breaking down barriers to achieve gender equality. Imagine a gender-equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination…a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive…a world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Inspiring quotes about women by women
I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.
~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.
~ Nancy Pelosi
Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there, and in some cases, where this is not available, they need to create their own table. We need a global understanding that we cannot implement change effectively without women's political participation.”
~ Meghan Markle
You don’t have to be pretty. You don’t owe prettiness to anyone. Not to your boyfriend/spouse/partner, not to your co-workers, especially not to random men on the street. You don’t owe it to your mother, you don’t owe it to your children, you don’t owe it to civilization in general. Prettiness is not a rent you pay for occupying a space marked ‘female.’
~ Erin McKean
Women will be hidden no more. We will not remain hidden figures. We have names... It was woman that gave you Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was woman that gave you Malcolm X. And according to the Bible, it was a woman that gave you Jesus. Don't you ever forget it.
~ Janelle Monáe
I am a woman and a warrior. If you think I can’t be both, you’ve been lied to.
~ Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar
Women are always saying, 'We can do anything that men can do.' But men should be saying, 'We can do anything that women can do.'
~ Gloria Steinem
Empowering songs for women by women
- I am Woman, Helen Reddy
- Born this Way, Lady Gaga
- Roar, Katy Perry
- Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys
- Sit Still, Look Pretty, Daya
- Watch Me Shine, Joanna Pacitti
- Pretty Savage, Blackpink
- About Damn Time, Lizzo
- Fight Song, Rachel Platten
- Brave, Sara Bareilles
- Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
Your turn
- Do you have a favorite quote or song about women?
- Who is a woman you find inspirational?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
What a wonderful post! I loved all of the quotes. There are many woman I admire, (you!) but one that always comes to mind is mom. I always thought she was perfect, and now realize she was only human. But I look up to her because she went through so many trials, hardships and disappointments in her life and still found a way to be happy. She could have been bitter and angry at the world but instead she remained positive and kind.
I too was thinking of Mom, Cindy, and for much the same reason. We are pretty lucky to have been born to a family of strong, resilient, kind women. I love you! ❤️
I think being a woman in the Western World and in the 21st century gives us a headstart to claiming our space. We will always need to be strong in who we are and where we want to go, but when I see how women live in other countries, I’m grateful every day for the progress made by the women who came before us here in the West, and we need to stand strong on that foundation.
I agree, Leanne. We are pretty fortunate to be born in this time and place. I have been reading a book about women in U.S. history. Their bravery and perseverance are pretty amazing and have given modern-day women in this country a big boost up to work from. I wish the same for women all over the world.
I loved this post, Christie! May I reference it in a future post? My favorite song from those you listed is “Girl on Fire.” We actually did a Songful Style post for it. I think you have some really powerful quotes here, and all of them are so doggone true. While I believe we are luckier here than in many countries, I’m afraid our status has been degraded a bit lately. As for the most inspirational woman…that would have to be my mom. We didn’t always get along (mainly because I’m her carbon copy), but she was so, so strong. She didn’t give up when my dad was dying…always taking care of him and trying to get one more day for him. Then, when he passed, she was a single mom with three kids and continued to provide for all of us until we moved out. She never took any crap from anyone and believed she could do most anything…including driving through downtown NYC, Washington, DC, and Chicago! She even drove cross country with just a map and my aunt! She truly was the most amazing woman in my life. Thanks for making me remember that!
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I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Marsha, and please feel free to reference it anytime. I agree 100 percent that women in the U.S. are luckier than many places in the world, but that many of our rights are at risk right now. We must never let the bravery and hard work of our ancestors go to waste. We need to protect the advances they made and continue the progress for our daughters and granddaughters.
I loved hearing about your mother. She does sound amazing. My mother went through some pretty big challenges herself, and like your mother, she persevered and never lost her enthusiasm for life and love for people.