International Women's Day is upon us. Established officially in 1977 (after being adopted by the United Nations, IWD represents an annual opportunity to strive towards a gender-equal world, together with celebrating the achievements of women past and present.
While this global awareness day is based around collective action and community, it's also a time to remind ourselves of the vital contribution of individual women who have fought for the gender equality cause, from second-wave feminism pioneer Gloria Steinem to author and social activist bell hooks, who passed away in December 2021.
This year, we're choosing to do that through compiling our most impactful International Women's Day quotes, to inspire the messages of gender equality and feminism – not just today, but every day of the year (because they're just as important year round).
Reminding us of the value of taking up space; being unapologetic; not succumbing to gendered limitations; and redefining power out of the age-old masculine stereotypes, these International Women's Day quotes will leave you feeling inspired. Happy reading ― and happy IWD!
bell hooks
First up: bell hook, the American author and social activist, with her definition of what feminism is: a definition rooted in collective action by all (a key principle of IWD) to move beyond sexist distinctions.
"...to be 'feminist' in any authentic sense of the term is to want for all people, female and male, liberation from sexist role patterns, domination, and oppression."
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
At the age of 34, Alexandria (or AOC as she's known), a former activist, became the youngest women to serve as a United States Congress member. The quote we've selected, below, hints at the push-back she experienced along the way:
“They'll tell you you're too loud, that you need to wait your turn and ask the right people for permission. Do it anyway.”
Gloria Steinem
Gloria was regarded as the founding member of the second wave feminist movement in the US, and her early role has been depicted in countless films and series including BBC drama Mrs America. In the quote below, the feminist icon (and newfound BFF of Meghan Markle) speaks to the important of adapting a ‘man’s world' to become a woman's world, too.
"Don't think about making women fit the world ― think about the making the world fit women."
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
The American actress, who played a teen superhero talented in mind control in Walt Disney Pictures film Sky High, is much-quoted for her powerful words on gender roles. Power does not equal masculinity.
"You don't have to play masculine to be a strong woman."
Rihanna
How could we not include Queen Ri? We were spoiled for choice when looking at her notable quotes, but these wise words about working together stood out.
“We can only fix this world together. We can’t do it divided… We can’t let that desensitivity seep in. The, ‘If it is your problem, then it’s not mine — it’s a woman’s problem, it’s a Black people problem, it’s a poor people problem,’ and they want to break bread with you? Well, this is their problem, too.”
Maya Angelou
Civil rights activist, essayist and poet Maya Angelou stood up for what she believed in throughout her life, with her words and activism. Below, she reminds us of the impact of individual action to spur larger sociological change.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Another recently-passed icon, Ruth was a much loved Supreme court judge who fought against gender discrimination, serving from 1993 up until her death in 2020. The quote we've chosen is indicative of the statement she made through her position.
"Women belong in all places where decisions are made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception."
G.D. Anderson
An Australian feminist and activist, G.D. Anderson (a pseudonym for Geena Dunne) founded The Cova Project, which provides access, education and improves period poverty for women in Namibia. A quote on her website reads:
“Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength."
Mindy Kaling
What would we do without Mindy Kaling? The actor, comedian, screenwriter and author (of humorist observational essay title, Why Not Me?) and, more recently, the creator of the series Never Have I Ever is a beacon of confidence and owning who you are – unapologetically.
"I have noticed that some people really feel uncomfortable around women who don't hate themselves. So that's why you need to be a little bit brave."
Malala Yousafzia
After surviving an assassination attempt from the Taliban in 2012, the 25-year-old Pakistani activist for female education went on to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and has spent her career to date campaigning for her cause.
"I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world."
Hannah Gadsby
Australian writer and comedian Hannah has been vocal about everything from homophobia and sexual assault to her struggles with autism, which she wasn't diagnosed with until her early 40s. She reminds us on IWD:
“There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself.”
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Please go here for the original article: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/international-womens-day-quotes
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