International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to honoring the achievements, resilience, and power of women across the globe. These International Women’s Day Quotes give a voice to women and can help you celebrate this day.
It’s not just a date on the calendar; it’s a global movement in women’s fight for equality, rights, and social justice.
While actions drive change, words have the power to inspire it.
These women empowering women quotes remind us of the strength, courage, and determination that women embody. And these iconic words will inspire you to accelerate action for women, whether you are a young female entrepreneur, social activist, or female leader.
Here are the most empowering quotes to motivate, uplift, and celebrate the women who continue to shape our world.
40 Empowering International Women’s Day Quotes
International Women’s Day Quotes Championing Women’s Rights
These Women’s Day quotes can help you be brave and find your voice.
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States and advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights.
“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
Gloria Steinem, journalist, social-political activist, and leader of the American feminist movement.
“Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.”
Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and advocate for gender equality worldwide.
“Women’s freedom is the sign of social freedom.”
Rosa Luxemburg, Marxist theorist, philosopher, and revolutionary socialist.
“The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day; a movement is only people moving.”
Gloria Steinem, journalist, social-political activist, and leader of the American feminist movement.
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”
Melinda Gates, philanthropist, former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
“No woman should be told she can’t make decisions about her own body. When women’s rights are under attack, we fight back.”
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States and advocate for women’s rights and social justice.
International Women’s Day Quotes on Women’s Empowerment
These quotes fuel the unstoppable ambition of women who dare to dream big and take action. These women empowering women quotes will leave you feeling empowered and supported.
“Well-behaved women rarely make history.”
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
“The most effective way to do it is to do it.”
Amelia Earhart, pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
“I always believed that one woman’s success can only help another woman’s success.”
Gloria Vanderbilt, American artist, author, actress, and fashion designer.
“Women are the real architects of society.”
Cher, iconic singer, actress, and feminist advocate.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”
Serena Williams, professional tennis player and advocate for gender equality in sports.
“The most important thing one woman can do for another is expand her sense of actual possibilities.”
Adrienne Rich, American poet, essayist, and feminist.
“I encourage women to step up. Don’t wait for somebody to ask you.”
Reese Witherspoon, Academy Award-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur.
“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.”
Beyoncé, Grammy-winning artist, businesswoman, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
“To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.”
Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and advocate for gender equality.
“Courage, as they say, is contagious. People who have had the courage to change their societies — in India, in South Africa, in the United States — inspire each other and create rights for future generations.”
Amal Clooney, British-Lebanese barrister specializing in international law and human rights.
“Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.”
Viola Davis, Academy Award-winning actress and advocate for racial and gender equality.
“We need to get women to the point where they aren’t apologizing. It’s time to take ownership in our success.”
Tory Burch, fashion designer, philanthropist, and founder of the Tory Burch Foundation supporting women entrepreneurs.
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”
Nora Ephron, acclaimed journalist, essayist, and filmmaker known for her sharp wit and feminist perspectives.
“What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters.”
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States.
“It’s important to teach our female youth that it’s OK to say, ‘Yes, I am good at this,’ and you don’t hold back.”Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast and the most decorated gymnast in history.
Recommended reading: 30 Ambitious Women Quotes From Inspiring Women to Ignite Your Ambition
International Women’s Day Quotes for Female Leaders
Women in leadership inspire change, break barriers, and pave the way for future generations. Here are female leaders and their powerful words that will inspire you this International Women’s Day.
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, known as the “Iron Lady.”
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice and gender equality pioneer.
“The most significant barrier to female leadership is the actual lack of females in leadership. The best advice I can give to women is to go out and start something, ideally their own businesses.”
Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle Corporation.
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and founder of Lean In, an organization promoting women’s leadership.
“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
Estée Lauder, businesswoman and co-founder of the Estée Lauder cosmetics company.
“Women make up more than half of the world’s population and potential, so it is neither just nor practical for their voices, for our voices, to go unheard at the highest levels of decision-making.”
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, advocate for gender equality and mental health awareness.
“What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters.”
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States.
“One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough… I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”
Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, known for her compassionate leadership style.
What to Read Next? 45 Powerful Female Leadership Quotes Every Woman Should Read in 2025
Happy Women’s Day Quotes to Celebrate the Women in Your Life
If you want to take a moment share a celebratory and more light-hearted message with a friend or colleague, here are some happy women’s day quotes that celebrate women.
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
Unknown, widely used feminist rallying cry.
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.”
Diane Mariechild, author and feminist.
“The best way to celebrate women is to support them every single day.”
Unknown, modern feminist expression.
“I’m grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”
Maya Angelou, poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.
“As a mompreneur, I’ve learned that balance is not about dividing your time equally; it’s about giving each moment the value it deserves.”
Sara Blakely, billionaire female entrepreneur and founder of Spanx.
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
Unknown
Recommended reading: 50 Mompreneur Quotes: Find All The Inspiration You Need In One Place
Funny International Women’s Day Quotes
Sometimes we find ourselves saying, “Girls just want to have fun.” Maybe we need a moment to laugh with fellow females and be reminded of our wit and humour. Here are some quotes that will make you laugh and feel both stronger and lighter on International Women’s Day.
“I am 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, acclaimed poet and civil rights activist.
“Be free, be fierce, but most of all, have fun while being a feminist.”
Nimco Ali, Somali-British activist and co-founder of The Five Foundation.
“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of the United States and human rights advocate.
“Behind every great woman… is another great woman.”
Kate Hodges, author and writer focused on female empowerment.
How Else Can You Support Women on International Women’s Day?
Beyond sharing inspiring words, take real action to uplift women in your community and beyond:
Give or Receive Mentorship
Be a mentor for an aspiring leader or seek guidance from experienced women in your field.
Donate to Women’s Causes
Support organizations like Malala Fund, UN Women, or Girls Who Code that empower women worldwide.
Join a Group, Walk, Run, or Event
Participate in International Women’s Day marches or attend local networking events.
Give an International Women’s Day Gift
A thoughtful book, journal, or ExperienceGift (a unique travel gift) can be meaningful ways to celebrate the women in your life.
Recommended Reading: International Women’s Day Gifts That Aren’t Cringey
Who Are Some of the Most Inspiring Women Today?
A lot of these inspirational International Women’s day quotes were said by leading women today, from Nobel Peace Prize winners to inspiring women in business.
Some of the most inspiring women in 2025 include:
1. Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is an iconic leader in tech. She worked at Google as a sales executive and, most notably, was instrumental as the COO of Facebook.
2. Melinda French Gates
American philanthropist, businesswoman, and a former multimedia product developer and manager at Microsoft.
3. Sara Blakely
Sara is the founder of Spanx, an undergarment company for women. From a fax machine salesperson to one of the most popular female entrepreneurs, her story is remarkable. Sara is now one of the most successful female entrepreneurs, a passionate philanthropist, and a bit of a celebrity herself – known for her motivational messages, authenticity, and reliability.
4. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul who made her mark early in her career as a news broadcaster and the first woman to produce her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show. She also created her own films, has sprawling real estate properties, and is one of the top female motivational speakers and most inspiring women in business.
5. Malala Yousafzai
Malala is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize after being shot by the Taliban after publicly speaking up about a girl’s right to education in Pakistan. She established the Malala Fund, a charity dedicated to giving every girl an opportunity to achieve the future she chooses.
Recommended Reading: 9 Motivational Books for Women by Iconic Women
Get Inspired, Feel Empowered
There is work to be done but there is so much to celebrate, from remarkable women who are raising their voices and businesswomen inspiring future female leaders and entrepreneurs. By showcasing the most inspirational International Women’s Day quotes, we show that every voice matters. These women empowering women quotes will inspire you to act courageously and think big.
As Michelle Obama says,”There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
FAQs on Quotes for International Women’s Day
What is the best quote for International Women’s Day?
In 2025, the best quote for International Women’s Day is:
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States and advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights.
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”
Melinda Gates, philanthropist, former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
How do you say Happy Women’s Day in a meaningful way?
To say “Happy Women’s Day” in a meaningful way, understand how you can best support women in your life. Do they need help leading, do they need more work life balance, or is their voice not being heard? Beyond that, celebrate and highlight their accomplishments and achievements, Write a card, or give an empowering International Women’s Day gift.
What are some short Women’s Day quotes for social media?
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
“The future is female.” – Unknown
“Behind every great woman… is another great woman.” – Kate Hodges
Why do we share quotes on International Women’s Day?
Inspiration: They motivate women to push boundaries.
Awareness: They spark conversations about gender equality.
Recognition: They celebrate the achievements of women past and present.
They are empowering and can inspire women to act accordingly.
What should I say on International Women’s Day?
Start by saying, “Happy Women’s Day!” Also take time to acknowledge the women in your life, and their achievements, and say thank you. Most importantly, you can support them and commit to doing that for the rest of the year.
What is the theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) in 2025?
The theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) in 2025 is “Accelerate Action”. By addressing biases and inequalities, and encouraging action we can accelerate action for women today.
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