March is National Women's History Month, a time where we celebrate and observe the impressive progress women in America have made in fighting for equal rights throughout the centuries. But, let's not forget the work that still needs to be done on a much more global scale. These International Women's Day quotes, spoken by some of the greatest feminist voices to help shape the movement, are here to inspire you as you go about the day's celebrations, commemorating all of womankind's astounding accomplishments, and focusing on what the next steps should be.
International Women's Day falls on March 8 each year, and has been observed since 1908. Today, it is celebrated in 27 different countries around the world, and is a day where we can come together as a global community to raise awareness about gender equality, and the fight that still rages on in so many parts of the world.
As these feminist quotes prove, there is a lot of power behind the spoken word. It is what rallies us and unifies us. It's what gives a movement personality, and a voice. From Susan B. Anthony to Gloria Steinem, First Lady Michelle Obama to Hillary Clinton, essayist Anaïs Nin to popular writer Roxane Gay, let these words motivate you as you lend your own voice to the call to action for women equality.
1. "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." — Susan B. Anthony
2. "I hate men who are afraid of women's strength." — Anaïs Nin
3. "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." — Michelle Obama
4. "What's good for women is good for America." — Hillary Clinton
5. "A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle." — Gloria Steinem
6. "Feminism is not just about women; it's about letting all people lead fuller lives." — Jane Fonda
7. "I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet." — Susan B. Anthony
8. "I think transwomen, and transpeople in general, show everyone that you can define what it means to be a man or woman on your own terms. A lot of what feminism is about is moving outside of roles and moving outside of expectations of who and what you’re supposed to be to live a more authentic life." — Laverne Cox
9. "It's an amusing idea to some, this feminism thing — this audacious notion that women should be able to move through the world as freely, and enjoy the same inalienable rights and bodily autonomy, as men. At least, that's the impression given when feminism and feminists are all too often the targets of lazy humor." — Roxane Gay
10. "The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it." — Roseanne Barr
11. "You don't want to be with a boy who's too stupid to appreciate a smart young woman." — Michelle Obama
12. "I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a career." — Gloria Steinem
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