March is Women’s History Month, and we love having the opportunity to shine a spotlight on influential women who have had an impact on not just the country, but the world. Below we’re sharing 17 quotes from influential women whose mission has been to make sure the female voice is heard and are pioneers in the fight for gender equality.
17 Quotes from Influential Women to Inspire You This Week (and Throughout Women’s History Month)
On speaking up:
“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” – Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist
“When I’m tired, I rest. I say, ‘I can’t be a superwoman today.’” – Jada Pinkett Smith, American actress and businesswoman
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeleine Albright, American politician and diplomat
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates, American philanthropist
On being bold:
“Beware of monotony; it’s the mother of all the deadly sins.” – Edith Wharton, American novelist
“You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” – Shonda Rhimes, American television producer and screenwriter
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton, American singer-songwriter and humanitarian
“If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” – Angelina Jolie, American actress and humanitarian
“It’s not the absence of fear, it’s overcoming it. Sometimes you’ve got to blast through and have faith.” – Emma Watson, English actress and activist
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” – Serena Williams, American professional tennis player
On believing in yourself:
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller, American author and disability rights advocate
“If you think taking care of yourself is selfish, change your mind. If you don’t, you’re simply ducking your responsibilities.” – Ann Richards, American politician
“I do know one thing about me: I don’t measure myself by others’ expectations or let others define my worth.” – Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
“Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.” – Hillary Clinton, American politician
“What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength.” – Meryl Streep, American actress
We hope you enjoyed reading these quotes from influential women during Women’s History Month! If you want to learn more about some incredible leaders, check out this Q+A by LGC’s women in staffing.