It’s International Women’s Day! Held on the 8th March each year around the world, it is a day with many purposes. One, to remember the incredible women of history who fought for the rights we have today. Two, to think about the women of today who still lack fundamental human rights and equal treatment. Three, to stand side by side with women around the globe in the ongoing fight for international equality for all. This International Women’s Day, I share my favourite empowering quotes from women of history and more recent times.
I love some of these quotes so much, I have them printed and framed on my bedroom walls. So every morning I can read them and feel ready to smash my goals, for both myself and for those women who fought for my right to do so!
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (8 March) has been celebrated as far back as 1911. Although associated with the United Nations, the day is recognised around the world as a day not belonging to any specific organisation but belonging to everyone. Our day to celebrate the achievements of women.
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
Gloria Steinem – Feminist
As well as celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world through history, this day calls for human kind to take action in the fight against gender disparity.
For a full history of this notorious day since the early 1900’s, visit the International Women’s Day website.
Empowering Quotes From Empowering Women
“The only thing required to be a woman is to identify as one. Period. End of story.” – Amanda Lovelace
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fears; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks
“I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men.” – Emma Watson
“I want to say to you who think women cannot succeed, we have brought the government of England to this position, that it has to face this alternative: either women are to be killed or women are to have the vote.” – Emmeline Pankhurst
“They said, “You are a savage and dangerous woman. I am speaking the truth. And the truth is savage and dangerous.” – Nawal El Saadawi
“All societies on the verge of death are masculine. A society can survive with only one man; no society will survive a shortage of women.” – Germaine Greer
“In societies where men are truly confident of their own worth, women are not merely tolerated but valued.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
“No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother.” – Margaret Sanger
“When a man gives his opinion, he’s a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a bitch.” – Bette Davis
“Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can’t figure out what from.” – Mae West
“The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.” – Mohadesa Najumi
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” – Mary Wollstonecraft
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“The most dangerous woman of all is the one who refuses to rely on your sword to save her because she carries her own.” – R. H. Sin
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default” — J. K. Rowling
“Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” – Michelle Obama
“Extremists have shown what frighten them most: A girl with a book.” – Malala Yousafzai
Want more?
Read about three positive female role models of today, achieving their dreams and breaking down social and cultural boundaries.
Whatever International Women’s Day means for you, I wish you another year of strength, achieving your goals, and feeling empowered to be whatever you want to be!
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Stay safe out there. Rosie Louise x
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