As we approach International Women’s Day, we find it imperative to take a step back to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in our history. Women have been breaking through barriers and spearheading change in the quest for gender equality, and there is no shortage of influential women in our world. They have shown that no matter where you come from and what you have faced, you can find power and transform your life into whatever you desire.
These women have sought to bring empowerment, encouragement, and strength to millions of girls and women, and there’s no better time than now to read their words of wisdom!
“Now and then women should do for themselves what men have already done—occasionally what men have not done—thereby establishing themselves as persons, and perhaps encouraging other women toward greater independence of thought and action.”
– Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart paved the way for other women in the world of commercial flight and helped to find the Ninety-Nines, an organization of all-women aviators.
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
– Audrey Hepburn
Audrey was a humanitarian and actress who worked tirelessly for millions of people around the world. She dedicated much of her life to working for UNICEF to build a better world for children.
“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.”
– Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The late Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg served tirelessly to challenge many limiting laws surrounding women. Fiercely advocating for equality and women's rights, Ruth was truly a legal pioneer and inspiration to so many.
"Women are the real architects of society."
– Cher
Cher is a singer, actor, and avid social rights activist who has never been afraid to tell people what she thinks. Her bold statements and strong stances show that women should never be afraid to take up the space they deserve.
“A woman is often measured by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn't curve, by where she is flat or straight or round. She is measured by 36-24-36 and inches and ages and numbers, by all the outside things that don’t ever add up to who she is on the inside. And so if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured by the things she can control, by who she is and who she is trying to become. Because as every woman knows, measurements are only statistics... and STATISTICS LIE.”
– Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn fought for women’s rights and was an icon for women everywhere as she dominated the screens and magazines. She was often viewed as iconic and legendary, especially in how she embraced her own sexuality.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
– Rosa Parks
As one of the most powerful and influential female African American civil rights activists, Rosa Parks made many courageous acts that paved the way for other activists during the civil rights movement in the United States. Her powerful dedication invoked passion in others and stands the test of time.
“I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”
– Malala Yousafzai
Malala is a Pakistani activist who worked tirelessly for children’s rights and education and is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. Despite the dangers in her life, Malala never gave up and continued to spread awareness and invoke action.
“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor drafted and advocated heavily for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and promoted peace. She inspired courage and advocated against discrimination.
“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”
– Georgia O'Keeffe
Georgia worked endlessly for women’s rights and supported the National Woman’s Party, the Equal Rights Amendment, and the World Center for Women's Archives project on her quest for equality.
“You could make a case that, along with the technological revolution, the most provocative upending destabilizing thrilling change in the course of human history is that we’re finally in it. … We're here now, women are in the world, and we will not be bullied.”
– Meryl Streep
Actor and activist, Meryl Streep is a force not to be reckoned with. Her powerful words and actions regularly highlight other activists and bring attention to how important it is to take care of the world around us, and each other.
In a world where women are continuously breaking barriers and reshaping societal norms, the powerful messages from some of the most influential women serve as guiding lights for empowerment and change. From advocating for equality and women's rights to inspiring courage and resilience, these remarkable women have shown that through determination and a strong sense of self, anything is possible.
