The annals of history are adorned with women whose words have ignited revolutions, challenged norms, and inspired millions. Their journeys, rich with struggle, triumph, and wisdom, serve as beacons for women navigating today's challenges. At SheThrives, we believe in the transformative power of words. Here's a curated collection of 15 poignant quotes from women leaders who've made an indelible mark in history.
1. Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Roosevelt's words are a clarion call for self-respect and self-worth. They highlight the intrinsic power each woman holds within herself.
2. Maya Angelou
"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."
Angelou's perspective on human connections speaks volumes about the legacy we leave behind through our actions and emotions.
3. Marie Curie
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
The only woman to win a Nobel prize in two different sciences, Curie's quest for knowledge and understanding is beautifully encapsulated in this quote.
4. Rosa Parks
![Caption reads, [Rosa Parks] "Poor Peoples March at Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, [Washington, D.C.]" Original black and white negative by Warren K. Leffler. Taken June 19th, 1968, Washington D.C, United States Washington D.C, United States (@libraryofcongress). Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017650273/](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/141117/981098_582254.png "Caption reads, [Rosa Parks] \"Poor Peoples March at Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, [Washington, D.C.]\" Original black and white negative by Warren K. Leffler. Taken June 19th, 1968, Washington D.C, United States Washington D.C, United States (@libraryofcongress). Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017650273/")
"I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free."
Parks’ words echo her unwavering commitment to equality and freedom.
5. Virginia Woolf
"For most of history, Anonymous was a woman."
A powerful reminder of the countless women whose contributions went unrecognised, but whose presence was undeniable.
6. Indira Gandhi
"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to be in the first group; there was much less competition."
Gandhi's emphasis on authentic work over mere accolades is both humorous and profound.
7. Malala Yousafzai
"We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced."
A beacon of hope for education and women’s rights, Malala’s resilience shines through her words.
8. Margaret Thatcher
"If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman."
Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister, was never one to shy away from celebrating women's efficiency and strength.
9. Amelia Earhart
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity."
Reflecting her ground-breaking adventures, Earhart’s words inspire action and determination.
10. Harriet Tubman
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Tubman, who led hundreds to freedom, instils the belief that dreams, when chased with passion, can reshape realities.
11. Benazir Bhutto
"Democracy is necessary to peace and to undermining the forces of terrorism."
A testament to her leadership in tumultuous times, Bhutto’s quote reflects her deep faith in democratic values.
12. Mother Teresa
"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
A simple yet profound reminder of the beauty in everyday acts of kindness.
13. Florence Nightingale
"I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse."
The founder of modern nursing believed in accountability and perseverance, as echoed in her words.
14. Emmeline Pankhurst
![Suffragette (women's rights movement) Emmeline Pankhurst being arrested after protesting near Buckingham Palace. London, England, [1907-1914]. Spaarnestad Photo,SFA002006278 Vrouwenkiesrecht. Arrestatie van suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst die door een politieagent wordt weggedragen van het hek van Buckingham Palace tijdens een demonstratie voor vrouwenemancipatie. Londen, Engeland, [1907-1914].](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/141117/109704_519315.png "Suffragette (women's rights movement) Emmeline Pankhurst being arrested after protesting near Buckingham Palace. London, England, [1907-1914]. Spaarnestad Photo,SFA002006278 Vrouwenkiesrecht. Arrestatie van suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst die door een politieagent wordt weggedragen van het hek van Buckingham Palace tijdens een demonstratie voor vrouwenemancipatie. Londen, Engeland, [1907-1914].")
"We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers."
A nod to her relentless fight for women's suffrage, Pankhurst’s words embody determination and purpose.
15. Frida Kahlo
"I am my own muse, the subject I know best."
Celebrating self-awareness and authenticity, Kahlo’s words resonate with every creator's soul.
Words are more than mere assemblies of letters; they’re carriers of legacy, wisdom, and experience. As we navigate through our own journeys, may these quotes serve as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the strength, resilience, and brilliance that lies within every woman. At SheThrives, our message is clear: let history guide us, empower us, and most importantly, inspire us.