“The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.”
— Ayn Rand (1905-1982), author, playwright and philosopher.
With International Women’s Day taking place on March 8 this week, an abundance of affection and praise for women continues to pour in like a much-deserved warm embrace. All around the world, it has been proven time and time again that women are breaking barriers left and right and making monumental strides in their endeavours. Each day, we are reminded of just how strong women are, and how their eloquent influence traverses many fields such as politics, entertainment, sports and activism.
Powerful women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo and Audre Lorde are the source of inspiration for millions of girls and women across the world. These resilient women have underscored the importance of courage and tenacity whilst reminding that vulnerability is far from a flaw. Through their successes and purposeful deeds, they have shown that no feat is unattainable if you truly desire it.
Here, we share our compilation of 12 quotes by these powerful women that will hopefully leave you feeling much more empowered:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020), second female former Supreme Court Justice.
“As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”
Coco Chanel (1883-1971), fashion designer and founder of Chanel.
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”
Serena Williams (born 1981), former professional tennis player and 23 Grand Slam singles winner.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), actress and model.
“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”
Audre Lorde (1934-1992), writer, professor and civil rights activist.
“The love expressed between women is particular and powerful because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival.”
Ayn Rand (1905-1982), author, playwright and philosopher.
“The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.”
Whitney Houston (1963-2012), singer, actress and model.
“I like being a woman, even in a man’s world. After all, men can’t wear dresses but we can wear the pants.”
Nikita Gill (born 1987), poet, playwright, writer, and illustrator.
“Women who believe in each other create armies that will win kingdoms and wars.”
Emma Watson (born 1990), actress and UN Women Goodwill ambassador.
“Girls should never be afraid to be smart.”
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), painter most famous for her self-portraits and a feminist.
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
Ntozake Shange (1948-2018), poet and playwright.
“Where there is a woman, there is magic.”
Elizabeth Gilbert (born 1969), journalist and author.
“At some point in a woman’s life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time. After that, she is free to become whoever she truly is.”
Featured image from Pinterest.