21 Of The Most Inspiring Feminist Quotes To Live By In 2018

Today marks the beginning of International Women’s Week, so for the next seven days (and every day after that), let us celebrate everything it means to be female. As we continue our fight for gender equality, body autonomy and fair pay, it’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come. Inspiring women from all walks of life – be it fashion, politics, acting, or business – have spoken out about what feminism means to them. 

“A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

 

“I am a woman with thoughts and questions and shit to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story – I will.”

– Amy Schumer

“I’m a feminist. I’ve been a female for a long time now. It’d be stupid not to be on my own side.”

– Maya Angelou

 

“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.”

– Estée Lauder

 

“I’m tough. I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”

– Madonna

“I myself have never been able to find out precisely what a feminist is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat.”

– Rebecca West

 

“There are really not many jobs that actually require a penis or a vagina, and all other occupations should be open to everyone.”

– Gloria Steinem

 

“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”

– Oprah

“I don’t care what you think of me. I don’t think of you at all.”

– Coco Chanel

 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

 

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”

– Rosa Parks

 

“I have a brain and a uterus, and I use both.” 

– Patricia Schroeder

 

“It will be great when it’s not such a big deal when a woman does a good job.”

– Susan Sarandon

 

“If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.”

– Gloria Steinem

 

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

– Malala Yousafzai

 

“Women have got to stop being polite. If I ever had children, which I don’t, the first thing I’d teach a girl of mine is the words ‘fuck off’.”

– Helen Mirren

 

“Men don’t age better than women, they’re just allowed to age.”

– Carrie Fisher

 

“The best way for us to cultivate fearlessness in our daughters and other young women is by example. If they see their mothers and other women in their lives going forward despite fear, they’ll know it’s possible.”

– Gloria Steinem

“I want every little girl who’s told she’s bossy to be told instead she has leadership skills.”

– Sheryl Sandberg

 

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

– Margaret Thatcher

 

My message to women: Do what makes you feel good, because there’ll always be someone who thinks you should do it differently. Whether your choices are hits or misses, at least they’re your own.

– Michelle Obama