International Women’s Day: 8 Prominent Women with the Most Famous Quotes

Women have left an indelible mark on history, shattering barriers across diverse fields from science and politics to arts and sports. Their profound words of wisdom, courage, and empowerment serve as beacons of inspiration, urging us to chase our aspirations, conquer obstacles, and embrace resilience. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we bring you eight empowering quotes from iconic women who have shaped the world.

1. Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and one of the most influential pioneers of aviation. She defied the norms and expectations of her time and pursued her passion and ambition with determination and courage. She left behind “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity,” a quote which reminds us that the first step to achieving anything is to take action and persist until we reach our destination.

2. Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was a poet, feminist, and civil rights activist, who advocated for the liberation and empowerment of women, especially women of color. She challenged the oppression and discrimination that women faced and called for solidarity and intersectionality among different groups and movements. Her quote “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own,” urges us to recognise the interconnectedness and interdependence of our struggles.

3. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, education activist, and the youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace. She survived a Taliban attack when she was 15 years old, and became a global icon of courage and resilience. She has been campaigning for the right of every girl to access quality education and to live a life of freedom and opportunity. Her life resonates with her famous quote “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”

4. Beyoncé Knowles

Beyoncé Knowles is a singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, who has dominated the music industry for over two decades. She is one of the best-selling and most-awarded artists of all time and a powerful advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She has also launched her fashion line, record label, and streaming service. Her quote “I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself,” shows us the importance of having self-confidence and self-belief.

5. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist, civil rights activist, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. She wrote and recited some of the most influential and inspiring poems and speeches of the 20th century, such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and “Still I Rise”. She also touched the lives of millions of people with her wisdom and compassion. She is also known for many famous quotes such as “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

6. Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand was a novelist, philosopher, and founder of the Objectivist movement. She wrote and published some of the most popular and controversial novels of the 20th century, such as “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged”. She also developed a system of philosophy that emphasised individualism, rationality, and capitalism. Her quote “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me,” encourages us to be assertive and ambitious.

7. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a professional tennis player who has won more Grand Slam singles titles than any man or woman in the Open Era. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and a role model for women and girls worldwide. She is also famous for her quote”The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” Her quote motivates us to celebrate and support the achievements of other women, and to be brave, kind, and humble in our pursuits.

8. Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist and the “mother of the freedom movement”. She sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus. She became a symbol of resistance and dignity and a catalyst for the civil rights movement. She also dedicated her life to fighting for racial justice and equality. Her famous quote “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear,” reveals the power and courage of conviction.