Want to celebrate with powerful women’s day quotes and messages?
Ready to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th? Click here for 48 inspirational quotes for women. #WomensDay #WomensDay2020 #IWD2020 #InternationalWomensDayClick To Tweet
What a few years it’s been for women everywhere.
CNN declared that 2018 was the year of women, and 2019 and surely 2020 will be no exception! They were right, although I seriously believe every year moving forward will be and should be the year, decade and century of women. It’s about freaking time.
You already know that the future is female.
So many headlines come to mind, from women’s marches and Iceland making pay parity the law to women driving in Saudi Arabi, and even KFC’s first female Colonel Sanders. And yes, even the #metoo movement and women everywhere choosing to no longer stay silent.
I celebrate every single time I hear of women standing up and demanding gender equality, and when laws change and incidents when culture changes to meet it. Although my experience as a woman is within the North American, particularly Canadian context, I believe that progress for women anywhere, ripples everywhere. How can it not?
Did you know that it was 100 years ago that women gained the vote in the UK? Just 100 years out of 1000s (depending on who you ask). It blows my mind that the right the vote, own property, work, hold positions of office and even just making their own health choices are new… and still not everywhere.
This post is dedicated to her-story. To every woman who opened her mouth, put her hands to writing, who stood up, who marched, who demanded a seat at the table, boldly doing where no women had gone before and made it that much more accessible for the rest of us.
May these inspiring quotes by extraordinary women encourage you to push for progress.
Proud to Be A Women Quotes for Women’s Day
Let’s not let any of the struggles taint how amazing it is to be a woman! A woman can be beautiful and badass at the same time. We aren’t just one thing and don’t need to be. This collection of Happy International Women’s Day quotes inspires you to be proud to be a woman.
1. “I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.” — Maya Angelou
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2. “For I conclude that the enemy is not lipstick, but guilt itself; we deserve lipstick, if we want it, AND free speech; we deserve to be sexual AND serious – or whatever we please. We are entitled to wear cowboy boots to our own revolution.” — Naomi Wolf
“I may be wearing makeup, but I can throw a fastball by you at the same time.” — Jennie Finch
4. “I want to encourage women to embrace their own uniqueness. Because just like a rose is beautiful, so is a sunflower, so is a peony. I mean, all flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too.” — Miranda Kerr
5. “I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say, ‘Yes, women can’.” — Dilma Rousseff
Confident Woman Quotes for Women’s Day
There’s no more inspiring of a role module for women of all ages than a woman who owns who she is – from embracing her body, speaking her mind, and being free of the conformities society tries to keep her in. This collection of Happy International Women’s Day quotes celebrates the strong and confident woman in all of us. It all starts with embracing who you are and refusing to apologize.
6. “I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves, who bring light into the world.” — Meryl Streep
7. “To accept ourselves as we are means to value our imperfections as much as our perfections.”— Sandra Bierig
8. “A charming woman doesn’t follow the crowd. She is herself.” — Loretta Young
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9. “Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.” — Ellen DeGeneres
10. “Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.” — Jodie Foster
Strong Women Quotes for Women’s Day
You stronger than you know! Own your emotions, own your intelligence, own all that you are and don’t be afraid to show how strong you are. Sometimes you don’t know what’s in you until the circumstance arrives. Celebrate International Women’s Day with this collection of strong women quotes.
11. “Don’t let anyone tell you you’re weak because you’re a woman.” — Mary Kom
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12. “Why do people say, ‘Grow some balls’? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding.” — Betty White
“A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
14. “Women have always been the strong ones of the world. The men are always seeking from women a little pillow to put their heads down on. They are always longing for the mother who held them as infants.” — Coco Chanel
Speak Your Mind Quotes for Women’s Day
Don’t stay silent, stand up a speak up like the famous feminist in history. This collection of Happy International Women’s Day quotes encourages you to not remain silent, no matter what anyone says. There are so many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day that involve speaking up, use the official #PressforProgress hashtag on social media and start a conversation.
“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” — Melinda Gates
16. “When a man gives his opinion, he’s a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a bitch.” — Bette Davis
17. “I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” ― Madonna
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18. “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai
19. “I am a woman with thoughts and questions and sh*t to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story – I will.” — Amy Schumer.
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Be the She-ro Quotes for Women’s Day
In a reality where #metoo is way too common, we all need some encouragement to be the she-ro of our lives. Flip the script on every situation and person who tries to make you the victim. You are not a damsel in distress! The next set of Happy International Women’s Day quotes encourages you to be the hero of your own story.
20. “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” — Nora Ephron
21. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” — Janis Joplin
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23. “I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one.” — Calamity Jane
“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” — Virginia Woolf
25. “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” — Maya Angelou
Don’t Forget About Yourself Quotes for Women’s Day
Is there a woman on earth who isn’t always thinking about everyone else before herself? These inspirational quotes for women are for the caregivers, moms, sisters, aunties, and grandmothers. And yes for the boss babe who often forgets to take care of herself while she’s hustling hard. And to the moms working multiple jobs to care for their little ones. Here are some ways to celebrate International Women’s Day that focuses on treating yourself.
“The history of all times and of today especially teaches that women will be forgotten if they forget to think about themselves.” — Louise Otto
27. “Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” — Veronica A. Shoffstall
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“If you think taking care of yourself is selfish, change your mind. If you don’t, you’re simply ducking your responsibilities.” — Ann Richards
29. “At the end of the day, don’t forget that you are a person, don’t forget you are a mother, don’t forget you are a wife, don’t forget you are a daughter.” — Indra Nooyi
Don’t be Afraid of Failure Quotes for Women’s Day
Get up and try, make mistakes and don’t apologize for them. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, to start that journey you’ve always wanted to take. You’re a queen and it’s okay if your tiara slips. This collection of inspiring quotes for women encourages you to take a chance on yourself. This year, celebrate International Women’s Day by getting started on something you’ve always wanted, like that business or going for that promotion at work.
30. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” — Oprah Winfrey
31. “Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others.” — Amelia Earhart
“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” — Maya Angelou
33. “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” — Katharine Hepburn
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Women’s Empowerment Quotes for Women’s Day
The fight for gender equality and the progress of gender parity is slow. Like the suffragettes and women’s rights movement leaders, we all need to get involved. There are so many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day that involve getting involved politically, supporting local women, and voting. You can also show your support by sending letters of thanks encouraging women in power.
34. “Power’s not given to you. You have to take it.” — Beyoncé Knowles Carter
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama
36. “You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” — Shonda Rhimes
37. “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” ― J.K. Rowling
38. “I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.” — Estee Lauder
39. “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” — Dolly Parton
Better Than Men Quotes for Women’s Day
Time to address the elephant in the back of the room – men. Oh yes, the other half of the population. We’ve all heard about what being a strong woman could mean for the men in your life. This collection of Happy International Women’s Day quotes is all about the feminist ambition and what that means for the men in the world and our lives. Read on to find out Why Women Are Better Than Men.
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.” — Mary Shelley
41. “Women are always saying, ‘We can do anything that men can do’ but men should be saying, ‘We can do anything that women can do.'” — Gloria Steinem
42. “A man does what he can; a woman does what a man cannot.”― Isabel Allende
“Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.” ― Charlotte Whitton
44. “Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.” — Marilyn Monroe
45. “Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” ― Irina Dunn
47. “You see a lot of smart guys with dumb women but you hardly ever see a smart woman with a dumb guy.” — Erica Jong
48. “Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry.”― Gloria Steinem
Printable Confidence Quotes
Are you feeling inspired, strong, and confident now? Keep the confidence going with these printable confidence quotes for women that are perfect for your office, bedroom or wherever you need the reminder to believe in yourself. Each design features brushed-ink letter detailing.
This download comes with 10 high-resolution quotes ready to be printed and posted. Print and post these beautiful quotes anywhere you need to constantly remind yourself that you can.
We are strong, we are capable, we are goddesses incarnate, with the power to literally give life. There is no place or space we cannot reign, impact and make better. I wholeheartedly believe that the old adage rings true, “anything you do I can do better,” but also, make better.
Women bring something to the mix that only they can.
Embrace your femininity and go after what you want, for yourself and for all women.
Happy International Women’s Day, boo!
What your favorite Happy International Women’s Day quote?
Last Updated on May 7, 2020
Katie says
Yes!! Such a great post! I love that Marilyn quote towards the end. I work in social media marketing so I’m for sure pinning these for future use! Happy international Womens day!
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks, Katie! YESS one of my favorites too.
Yay for being pinned! Share the inspiration. Happy International Women’s Day to you too!
M Crane says
Love these Intentional Woman’s Day Quotes!
Nadalie Bardo says
Moi aussi!
Michelle says
Not only are all of these quotes inspiring, but all of these women who said these quotes are also super inspiring. I love reading things like this — especially during Women’s History Month!
Wonderful post! x
Michelle
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Michelle,
Aren’t they! It’s definitely a list of incredibly inspiring women too!
Amy Kennedy says
Very inspiring post, I love the Katharine Hepburn, Estee Lauder and Amelia Earhart quotes! You have such a great variety, too!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Amy,
They’re incredible and if you think about the times when they said them, it’s not like today. They were brave and bold!
MJ says
This really is a great list of inspiring quotes to have just read. I love #45!
Nadalie Bardo says
That one made me laugh when I read it. Had to included it!
Viv for Today says
#27. Because I’m done waiting!
Nadalie Bardo says
YES! No more waiting, get up and GET IT! You got this.
Heather says
I love these quotes! What a great post!
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks Heather! I appreciate the blog post love.
Brandi Michel | FamilyFelicity.com says
“Normal is not something to aspire to… it’s something to get away from.” This is my favorite and so true! Normal doesn’t stand out. We can’t change anything when we look just like everything else! Great, great list of words of wisdom!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Brandi,
Ever since I read her quote I’m like RUNNING away from normal. Forget that, I’m going embrace everything about myself that doesn’t fit with normal. Love it.
Viviane says
What an amazing post! Inspirational and got me so excited for the march!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Viviane,
March, what a wonderful month it is too! Happy International Women’s Day!
tachira wiltshire says
I am all for anything that celebrates women because we all are awesome. We should celebrate our uniqueness and I do not aspire to be equal to men we could never be. Normalcy is quite overrated in my books an awesome collection of quotes.
Lia says
Hi! I just started a blog, inspired by yours. I’d really appreciate it if you could check it out.
Whymances says
Agree with Brandi, not aspiring to normal is the quote that stood out to me the most. Not aspiring to normal gives you permission to seek out and build a life that is authentically you! Even if that turns out to be normal! What is normal anyway? 🙂
Ann F. Snook-Moreau says
I grew up in a family of strong women so I’ve always felt pretty empowered. It never felt right to let men walk all over me! I love the Oprah quote on here . . . everything she says is so inspiring!
Jennifer Van Huss says
I had no clue that 2018 was declared the year of the Women! I hope that it gains more momentum as the year goes on because I think it is very important to support this movement. I had no clue that UK has only had the right to vote for 100 years. I can’t imagine living before then. These are inspiring quotes.
Joely Smith says
Betty White is amazing her quote cracks me up every time I read it!! Great quotes – all of them from amazing women indeed!!
Censie Sawyer says
So many great quotes! I love that women are being more celebrated. We need this in our world right now! I will be printing off some of these quotes and putting them around our house.
Shelley R King says
I LOVE Betty White! She reminds me of my Grandmother! My best friend and I send quotes and memes everyday to make the other smile! Thank you for the gift of quotes this morning! My favorite: “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” — Nora Ephron
Bites for Foodies says
International Women’s Day is huge over here in Italy! These are all great quotes, but my fave has to be Madonna’s…it’s such a classic!
Kristi McAllister says
I *loved* this post! I think as women, we need a lot of building up and the fact that we can hold that space for each other is a phenomenal thing! I have never liked Jodie Foster as an actress, but I really think her quote is my all time favorite! #girlpower
Akamatra says
These quotes really resonate the need to raise our daughters the best we can to make them strong women. I know I try to do it with mine!
SHIVRANJANI RATHORE says
Happy Women’s Day! All the quotes are fabulous but my favorite is from Nora Ephron.
chelf says
very inspiring post as always! For me, I believe the future is gender free, we can all be equals and use our strengths to help each other rise regardless gender etc. But I’m all in for a day of celebrating women! woohoo!
Ola says
I’m in favor of women being confident. I especially admire women who can be that without putting others down, or without presenting herself as “better” than the rest. If one thinks s/he is “better” than the rest, that means their still comparing. Not good and definitely not confident.
Aileen Adalid says
I loooove the quote by Shonda Rimes — but then again, I love all these quotes! Thanks for sharing them. Some of them I’ve heard before, but some I have not so it’s great to discover these new empowering ones!
Kathleen says
#12, OMG! Couldn’t be more true. If a baby can come out of it and still survive, that is indeed really strong! Thanks for all the quotes. I watched Hidden Figures that day – really showed how women are so amazing!
Jen ~ The Tipsy Mama says
Oh how I LOVE quotes – so I am totally in love with this whole post! So much truth to all of this and am totally saving some of these for the days I need a little kick in the ass Girl Power!!
Kaelyn Korte says
Today some women came up to me in Kazakhstan and said something in Russian. It took me a while but finally I understood that she was trying to say, “Happy National Women’s Day.” These quotes made me smile just thinking about it!
Evelyn | PathofPresence.com says
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading these! …and I so needed them today =). My fave is Malinda Gates #15, and also Betty White. Yup. They both tell it like it is, in their own unique way. xo Blessings and gratitude! Evelyn, PathofPresence
Anissa says
This woke me up today! I resonated with so many of these quotes and I’m inspired. #4 and #23 really tugs on the heart strings!
I had no idea that women’s day was tomorrow. Thank you for sharing!
Doreen says
I really enjoyed reading these quotes. They are powerful! Thanks for sharing
Sonya Ali says
Love love love them! <3
Nadine says
I love these and they are useful any time of the year. When I so happened to forget I’m an extraordinary woman who can do anything! Great post!
Shernette Williams says
I love that you dedicated a post to this. We need to make this an everyday appreciation. Us woman work so well together and uplift one another so well. Great post.
anne-onedeterminedlife says
I love these all so much! Thank you for sharing.
CourtneyLynne says
Omg how did I not know it was International Woman’s Day!!!! Usually I see things leading up to this day all over the place!! Such a great day
Jen @Jenron-Designs says
I really enjoyed reading this compilation of quotes for women by women. They all have different ways to inspire and support there fellows ladies. Great post!
Stephanie says
These are great! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Happy women’s day to you girl!
Jacqui Odell says
The third quote describes my niece to a T. She’s all girl but loves her sports!
Amy Kennedy says
This is a fantastic post! Its like a feast! So many of these quotes made me smile and think, ‘That’s so true!” Really enjoyed this! Thank you!
Tara says
I had to tweet this as well, these are so worth keeping and reminding yourself of every single day! love them all!
Susannah says
I love seeing how everyone celebrated Women’s Day this year! These quotes are awesome reminders of how great we are 😉
emmanuel damian says
I love all the quotes but one stood out: “A charming woman doesn’t follow the crowd. She is herself.” — Loretta Young
So beautiful!
chantel knight says
I love this so much. I don’t know what it is, but quotes always have a way of giving me inspiration or motivation and this will be good to save for those days that I need that extra boost.
Kelly Reci says
This is something I need to remember every single day! Definitely needed this today!!! Thank you for posting and allowing us to celebrate our day great.
Jill says
Yes! I love this, all of it. I love reminders of how amazing and badass women are. And I absolutely love women empowering women! It’s how we’ll get the furthest in our cause, by always helping each other!