She Empowered the World: 24 Timeless Quotes from Women Who Made History

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"I think unconscious bias is one of the hardest things to get at. My favorite example is the symphony orchestra. When I was growing up, there were no women in orchestras. Auditioners thought they could tell the difference between a woman playing and a man. Some intelligent person devised a simple solution: Drop a curtain between the auditioners and the people trying out. And, lo and behold, women began to get jobs in symphony orchestras."

—Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Second Female U.S. Supreme Court Justice

In Honor of International Women’s Day (March 8th)

It has been 50 years since the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day (IWD) in 1975. However, the origins of IWD date back to the early 1900s, when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City in 1908, demanding better working conditions and voting rights.

While progress has been made, gender inequality still persists in society. Yet, I can’t help but feel deeply moved when I think about the women in history who fought for equal rights and opportunities, often in incredibly challenging circumstances. Change didn’t come solely from well-known activists whose names appear in history books—it also came from countless individuals who had the courage to fight for what they wanted in their own lives.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and tenacity, it does happen.

International Women’s Day holds special significance for me. It’s not just a day to reflect on gender equality; it’s also a day to acknowledge our self-worth. As women, we are complete individuals who deserve the right to pursue our dreams and ambitions.

Growing up in Japan, where gender inequality remains prevalent, I witnessed many situations that, at the time, seemed normal. I never questioned them. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg highlighted in the quote above, unconscious bias can be difficult to recognize.

But when we find the courage to pursue our goals and desires, we start to see the barriers and challenges for what they are. Even in the face of adversity, we must remind ourselves that we are worthy of our ambitions and dreams.

Women throughout history have demonstrated extraordinary strength, perseverance, and belief in themselves. Whether advocating for justice, pushing the boundaries of science and leadership, or embracing their unique identities, their voices have shaped the world in profound ways. We are no different from them. The key difference lies in whether we allow ourselves to step into our power and stand up for what we want.

The following quotes capture the wisdom, resilience, and unwavering spirit of trailblazing women—reminding us that we all have the power to rise, speak, and make a difference.

Timeless Quotes from Women in History

Women Who Fought for Equality & Justice

Rosa Parks, Civil Rights Activist – "No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in."

Patsy Mink, First Woman of Color in U.S. Congress – "We have to build things that we want to see accomplished, in life and in our country, based on our own personal experiences."

Wangarĩ Maathai, Environmentalist & Nobel Laureate – "Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect."

Mary Wollstonecraft, Early Advocate for Women’s Rights – "There must be more equality established in society, or morality will never gain ground."

Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Education Activist – "I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard."

Sojourner Truth, Abolitionist & Women’s Rights Activist – "If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back."

Women Who Pioneered in Science, Politics, and Innovation

Indira Gandhi, First Female Prime Minister of India – "The power to question is the basis of all human progress."

Ada Lovelace, First Computer Programmer – "I believe myself to possess a most singular combination of qualities exactly fitted to make me pre-eminently a discoverer of the hidden realities of nature."

Margaret Thatcher, First Female Prime Minister of the UK – "Watch your thoughts, for they will make you. Watch your words, for they will shape you."

Florence Nightingale, Founder of Modern Nursing – "I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse."

Jane Goodall, Primatologist & Conservationist – "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

Kamala Harris, First Female U.S. Vice President – "You’re going to walk into many rooms where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you’ve had. So you use that voice and be strong."

Women on Strength & Overcoming Adversity

Harriet Tubman, Abolitionist & Freedom Fighter – "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

Frida Kahlo, Artist & Feminist Icon – "At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can."

Helen Keller, Author & Disability Rights Advocate – "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."

Misty Copeland, First Black Female Principal Dancer at ABT – "You can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed."

Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul & Philanthropist – "Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create."

Maya Angelou, Poet & Civil Rights Activist – "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women."

Women on Confidence & Owning Your Power

Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer & Entrepreneur – "A girl should be two things: who and what she wants."

Marilyn Monroe, Actress & Cultural Icon – "One of the best things that ever happened to me is that I’m a woman. That is the way all females should feel."

Maya Angelou, Poet & Civil Rights Activist – "If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."

Beyoncé, Singer & Entrepreneur – "Power’s not given to you. You have to take it."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice – "My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent."

Melinda Gates, Philanthropist & Businesswoman – "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman."

Conclusion

Women throughout history have defied expectations, shattered barriers, and used their voices to inspire change. Their words—born from experience, resilience, and unshakable determination—continue to ignite courage in us today. Whether they fought for justice, redefined leadership, or championed individuality, their wisdom reminds us that strength takes many forms.

These powerful quotes from women in history show us that courage, determination, and vision can create lasting change. Which quote resonates with you the most?