International Women’s Day is celebrated to honour and appreciate the contribution of women to mankind. Although we have moved past the times of overt feminism, this day still continues to inspire every woman around the world and reminds them to believe in themselves. This is undoubtedly the occasion that celebrates the potential of the fairer sex and motivates them to achieve new heights of freedom and success.
Every year, we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March. And it is nothing but a reminder of the struggles made by our predecessors to ensure women equality and the long way that we still have to go in order to achieve it completely. Women have been subjected to restrictions, regulations and ridicule over the centuries. And despite all that, there have been some strong-willed women in the past who have changed the way the world perceives women. Here are some truly inspirational quotes that will motivate women to understand their true potential and celebrate the spirit of womanhood.
Motivational & Empowering International Women’s Day Quotes
1. “Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.” – Marilyn Monroe.
This quote is drenched in the essence of feminism and professes the superior potential and power of womanhood. Every woman has the capacity to become a better professional than her male counterparts. This inspiring quote emphasises the same sentiment and motivates women to be not just equal to men, but better than them at everything that they do.
2. “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” – Kofi Annan.
These are the words of wisdom from Late Kofi Annan, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who also served as Secretary-General of the United Nations. These words scream ‘women empowerment’, which is crucial in the development of humankind. Studies have shown that it’s women who contribute to reducing infant and maternal rates, improve health rates, and improved economic productivity. Therefore, it is imperative that they are empowered through education, infrastructure, and policies to guarantee their rights.
3. “Think like a Queen. A Queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – Oprah Winfrey.
It is a natural tendency to be afraid of failure. However, it becomes the biggest hurdle in the road to achievement. This marvellous quote encourages women to think like a queen who is not afraid of failure and, therefore, strives for greatness. Only by taking risks and chances can a woman realise her true potential as well as limits.
4. “Don’t just stand for the success of other women – Insist on it!” – Gail Blanke.
While every day might seem a different kind of challenge for each woman, it is also important to insist on the success of other women. The change women strive to make cannot be possible if just a few of them become successful. It will take every single woman’s contribution, faith, support, and determination to achieve their dreams and help other women grow, too.
5. “If you want something said, ask a man; If you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher.
Said by the most renowned administrator and leader of our times, these words show complete faith and confidence in womanhood. We may not have had the most inspiring woman orators in history, but we certainly have some truly sensational woman achievers. Slowly but surely, some incredible women have carved a niche for their achievements and paved the way for real action and not just words.
6. “Man doesn’t control his own fate. The women in his life do that for Him.” – Groucho Marx.
Every woman may not aspire to achieve something in the professional sphere. For every home-maker wife, mother, sister and daughter, this motivational quote emphasises the importance of changing the world by changing the way things work at home. By building a free and progressive household, women wield the power of changing not just the man’s but the complete family’s destiny.
7. “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” – Beyoncé.
Many times, how women perceive themselves is what stops them from achieving bigger things, whether there’s a glass ceiling or not. It becomes more so important that women take the lead in their own lives and work towards their dreams and encourage other women to become achievers, too.
8. “Women are the real architects of society.” – Cher.
It is the collective effort of women of the society and nation that can change the way things work and shape the community for growth and progress. Without women, the basic infrastructure of society is bound to crumble.
9. “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” – Diane Mariechild.
This beautiful quote summarises the essence of womanhood. Women are complete within themselves. They possess the power to create; they are the caregivers, the nurturers, and they can transform the world. Every woman should believe in her capabilities and embrace her individuality. She needs to tap into her maximum potential and discover the immense strength she never knew she garnered in herself.
10. “A charming woman doesn’t follow the crowd. She is herself!” – Loretta Young.
This quote is for all the young women who are starting their journey in life. Challenges and struggles will be an indispensable part of the adventure that is life, but by being true to oneself, she would be able to free herself from the shackles of herd mentality and will become a complete individual.
11. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
It is, more often, that women underestimate themselves and do not retaliate when others make them feel inferior. This quote emphasises something every woman must be conditioned to think from her childhood. No one has the right to make her feel insignificant without her consent. That’s why it becomes essential for her to understand her worth, develop self-esteem, and take a stand to stop anyone attempting to pull her down.
12. “Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry” – Gloria Steinem.
This quote truly celebrates the spirit of feminism. By stereotyping gender roles, women have been accustomed to expecting a certain type of behaviour from the opposite sex. By proving that they themselves can also be self-sufficient, independent and achieve anything they want (both personally and professionally), women are allowing the stereotypes to fade and emerging as truly powerful beings.
13. “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
This quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the famous American lawyer and jurist, who spent much of her legal career as an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, inspires women tremendously. It highlights the importance of equality and fairness when it comes to positions of critical decision-making. Everyone must understand there is absolutely no reason why capable women should be left out; they belong at all the places of power as much as any capable man does.
14. “One is not born a woman, one becomes one.” – Simone de Beauvoir.
This quote is for every woman who is yet to achieve the completeness of womanhood. There is a little girl in every woman, and it is normal to not be responsible every moment of the day. Womanhood is a journey. Women are not born but become so by their actions and choices.
15. “The most important thing one woman can do for another is to expand her sense of actual possibilities.” – Adrienne Rich.
Adrienne Rich, a famous poet and feminist, has inspired many for decades. Through this quote, she highlights why it is important for every woman to expand her horizons and actualise her dreams. It doesn’t only help her but also sets a ripple effect of a kind to motivate several other women to chase bigger dreams.
Share these inspiring quotes with all the lovely ladies you know this International Women’s Day. These quotes will not only make their day but also encourage them to set foot on the paths of their choice, exercise their freedom, and achieve unimaginable heights.
