International Women's Day: celebrating the power, resilience and strength of women

Women have always been forces of change—leading movements, breaking barriers, and redefining what’s possible.

From Audre Lorde’s fearless advocacy to Malala Yousafzai’s fight for education, from Michelle Obama’s inspiring leadership to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s unapologetic storytelling, their journeys remind us of the strength, resilience, and brilliance within us all.

This International Women’s Day, we honour the women who have shaped history and those who continue to inspire the future. Here are eight powerful quotes - to celebrate the courage, wisdom, and unwavering spirit of women everywhere.

1. Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was a writer, activist, and intellectual whose work fundamentally reshaped conversations around race, gender, sexuality, and social justice. Lorde was a leading advocate of intersectionality long before the term was widely used, insisting that systems of discrimination could not be looked at in isolation.

Lorde believed that all forms of discrimination—whether based on race, gender, sexuality, or class—were interconnected, famously stating that there could be “no hierarchy of oppressions.”

2.  Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai challenged life under the Taliban in Swat, Pakistan, to become a global advocate for girls' education.

The youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate at 17, her advocacy sparked an international movement for human rights and education. Aged 27 now, Malala’s tireless work continues to empower girls and women worldwide as she has become a symbol of hope and resilience.

3.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy as a pioneering legal force continues to inspire generations of women and men who believe in justice and equality.

Serving as the second woman ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Ginsburg broke barriers not just as a woman, but as a passionate advocate for gender equality and civil rights.

Known affectionately as "The Notorious R.B.G.," her unwavering determination in the face of adversity cemented her place as one of history’s most influential figures in the fight for justice.

4. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, a poet and author, known for her autobiographical "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", was a key voice for the American civil rights movement.

Angelou's words continue to resonate deeply to this day, especially her powerful quote: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

This sentiment reflects Angelou’s own life and work, where she stood up not just for herself, but for countless others through her writing, activism, and advocacy for civil rights.

5.  Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama famously once said: "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."

This powerful statement symbolises her own journey—from growing up in Chicago to becoming the first African-American First Lady of the United States.

Throughout her time in the White House, Michelle Obama championed causes such as education, poverty awareness, and healthy living, inspiring women and girls everywhere to pursue their dreams without hesitation.

Her memoir, "Becoming", and her continued advocacy remind us all that with determination and purpose, there is no barrier we cannot overcome.

6. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Adichie is a leading figure in literature and post-colonial feminism known for her novels and short stories, as well as essays such as, "We Should All Be Feminists".

Using her writing to challenge societal norms and amplify women’s voices, Adichie’s work addresses critical issues such as gender, immigration, and cultural identity. She has redefined what it means to be a feminist in the modern world, advocating for equality and challenging the constraints imposed on women.

7. Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur is a powerful voice in modern feminism, using her poetry to address themes of womanhood, self-love, and the challenges women face.

With her debut collection, "Milk and Honey", Kaur brought attention to subjects like menstruation, abuse, and healing.

Her Instagram photographs, particularly the one showing menstrual blood stains, started a dialogue about the stigmas surrounding women's bodies.

Kaur’s work continues to empower women by celebrating their experiences and encouraging vulnerability, making her a leading figure in contemporary poetry and women's rights activism.

8. Simone de Beauvoir

Simone de Beauvoir’s groundbreaking work on women’s rights revolutionised feminist thought and laid the foundation for modern gender equality movements.

Her seminal book, "The Second Sex",  analysed the systemic oppression of women and became a cornerstone of feminist philosophy.

De Beauvoir’s exploration of the complexities of womanhood and her challenge to traditional gender roles continue to influence feminist theory today. Through her writing and activism, she paved the way for generations of women to fight for their autonomy.

As we can see, words hold incredible power — they can inspire, educate, and spark change. Throughout history, women from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life have taken action and shared their wisdom that continue to have an effect on the world.

Do these quotes resonate with you? If you find they motivate, challenge, and remind you of your own strength, please share this blog on International Women's Day to inspire others.

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