21 Inspiring Quotes about Powerful Women we Admire in History

Written by Terencio White

As we explore quotes about powerful women, I want to share that, although I'm a man, I deeply value and advocate for equality on this planet. 


It's important that young women everywhere are aware of the incredible female leaders who have shaped, and continue to shape our world. 


We're going to look into the rich wisdom and profound experiences shared by some of the most influential leaders, thinkers, and changemakers from great women throughout history. 



Quotes about Powerful women 

Abstract colorful illustration of three stylized figures walking through a vibrant cityscape adorned with quotes about powerful women, geometric shapes, and rays of light.

Abstract colorful illustration of three stylized figures walking through a vibrant cityscape adorned with quotes about powerful women, geometric shapes, and rays of light.


Hillary Clinton: "Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world."

Insight: Hillary Clinton, a former Secretary of State and presidential candidate, emphasizes the critical importance of empowering women to take part fully in society for the benefit of all.

Practical Tip: Encourage and support women's education and career opportunities in your community to unlock this untapped potential.


Oprah Winfrey: "Turn your wounds into wisdom."

Insight: Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and philanthropist, teaches us that overcoming personal challenges can be a source of learning and self-growth.

Practical Tip: Reflect on your past difficulties and consider what they have taught you about resilience, strength, and empathy.


Margaret Thatcher: "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."

Insight: The first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher, known for her formidable leadership style, highlights the inherent nature of true power and grace.

Practical Tip: Focus on embodying the qualities you value; actions often speak louder than words.


Serena Williams: "Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on."

Insight: Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, advocates for mutual support among women to foster a community of strength and encouragement.

Practical Tip: Actively support and celebrate the achievements of women around you, in both small and significant ways.


Madeleine Albright: "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."

Insight: Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, stresses the importance of solidarity and support among women in their collective struggle for equality.

Practical Tip: Mentor young women, support female colleagues, and engage in community service that uplifts women.


Helen Keller: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

Insight: Helen Keller, who overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf, shows us the power of collaboration and collective effort.

Practical Tip: Seek community projects and collaborative efforts where you can contribute to making a significant impact together.


Coco Chanel: "The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."

Insight: Coco Chanel, revolutionary in the fashion industry, championed individuality and self-expression, encouraging women to voice their own ideas and opinions.

Practical Tip: Cultivate and express your unique viewpoints in your personal and professional life.


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."

Insight: Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist, advocates for the pursuit of knowledge to overcome fear and uncertainty.

Practical Tip: Engage in continuous learning and encourage educational opportunities that dispel fears and build confidence.


Christine Lagarde - "When you're handed power, you have to figure out what to do with it."

Insight: Christine Lagarde discusses the responsibility that comes with power and the importance of using it wisely.

Practical Tip: When in positions of authority, always consider the broader impact of your decisions. Seek to make choices that benefit the greater good.


Greta Thunberg - "You are never too small to make a difference."

Insight: Greta Thunberg has shown that youthful voices can drive global discussions about critical issues like climate change.

Practical Tip: No matter your age or position, your voice matters. Get involved in causes you care about by volunteering or starting a local initiative.


Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - "My philosophy is, I'm racing against time to do something meaningful and significant to impact people's lives."

Insight: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focuses on creating impactful change through her work, emphasizing the urgency of addressing global challenges.

Practical Tip: Set clear, impactful goals in your work or community efforts. Prioritize actions that have meaningful outcomes.


Jacinda Ardern - "One of the criticisms I've faced over the years is that I'm not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I'm empathetic, it means I'm weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong."

Insight: Jacinda Ardern champions empathy and strength, demonstrating that compassionate leadership can be influential and effective.

Practical Tip: In leadership, cultivate empathy and maintain your resolve. This balance can enhance your decision-making and team dynamics.


Kamala Harris - "What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters."

Insight: Kamala Harris inspires young women to recognize and use their inherent power.

Practical Tip: Encourage and mentor young women around you. Help them find platforms where their voices can be heard and respected.


Whitney Wolfe Herd - "I'm convinced that we're only as good as the mark we leave behind."

Insight: Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of a female-first dating app, believes in the lasting impact of our actions and innovations.

Practical Tip: In your personal and professional endeavors, strive to create positive and lasting effects. Focus on legacy over short-term gains.


Taylor Swift - "I want to love glitter and also stand up for the double standards that exist in society. I want to wear pink and tell you how I feel about politics. I don't think those things have to cancel each other out."

Insight: Taylor Swift challenges the stereotype that femininity and political or social activism cannot coexist.

She advocates because individuals, particularly women, can embrace their personal interests and aesthetics while also engaging seriously in societal issues.


Practical Tip: Don't shy away from expressing all facets of your identity.

Embrace and share your passions and interests, regardless of how viewed in relation to your professional or public life.

This authentic expression can inspire others to break stereotypes and stand up for their beliefs.



Key Quotes about Powerful Women


Eleanor Roosevelt: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Insight: Eleanor Roosevelt reminds us that personal power also comes from self-respect and the choices we make about how to react to others' opinions.


Amelia Earhart: "The most effective way to do it, is to do it."

Insight: Amelia Earhart, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in aviation, embodies the spirit of taking action directly and fearlessly.


Practical Tip: Reflect and think about how you define your own strength. Is it through your actions, your words, or the values you stand for?


Inspirational Quotes about Powerful Women Leaders


Leadership can take many shapes, but it always involves guiding others and standing firm on one’s beliefs and principles.


Michelle Obama: "When they go low, we go high."

Insight: This has become a guiding principle for many, advocating for taking the high road and maintaining integrity, even when faced with tough challenges.


Indra Nooyi: "If you want to improve the organization, you have to improve yourself and the organization gets pulled up with you."

Insight: The former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, emphasizes the importance of personal growth as a cornerstone of professional success and organizational development.


Practical Tip: Use these insights in your daily life by focusing on personal integrity and growth. How can you apply these principles in your professional or personal challenges?



Quotes about Powerful Women Overcoming Challenges 

Three stylized panels showing cosmic-themed, super women in vibrant, flowing robes against a starry space background.

Three stylized panels showing cosmic-themed, super women in vibrant, flowing robes against a starry space background.


Resilience is perhaps one of the most striking traits of incredible women. Facing obstacles head-on and emerging stronger is a common thread that connects many influential women worldwide. Their experiences and words offer encouragement and a roadmap for navigating life's challenges.


Malala Yousafzai: "We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced."

Insight: Malala, a strong woman who stood up for education and faced an attack because of her beliefs, teaches us about the influence of voice and resilience.

People around the world have taken notice of her recovery and continued advocacy.

"With guns, you can kill terrorists. With education, you can kill terrorism."


Insight: Malala emphasizes the transformative power of education in combating societal issues.

Practical Tip: Support educational initiatives locally or globally. Engage in or donate to programs that focus on educating the underprivileged.


Maya Angelou: "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated."

Insight: Maya Angelou, a prolific writer and civil rights activist, knew the weight of setbacks but highlighted the importance of rising every time we fall.


Practical Tip: Consider how you can apply the resilience shown by Malala and Maya in your life.

When faced with setbacks, remember the strength of persistence and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.


Celebratory Moments - Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day

Three diverse women holding tulips with a "Happy Women's Day" banner overhead, set against a pink background.

Three diverse women holding tulips with a "Happy Women's Day" banner overhead, set against a pink background.


Celebrating women’s achievements and the fight for gender equality doesn't just happen once a year, but these special days help to spotlight the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women across the globe.

Gloria Steinem: "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

Insight: Gloria Steinem, a leader in the feminist movement, emphasizes that the fight for equality is broad and inclusive, requiring collective action.


International Women's Day Celebrations: "Here's to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."

Insight: This popular quote, often shared during International Women's Day, calls on society to recognize, become, and nurture strong women in all aspects of life.


Call to Action 

Get involved in local events during Women’s History Month and take part in International Women’s Day activities.

Share stories of influential women in your life on social media to continue raising awareness.



Driving Change - Quotes on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

A man and a women come together and agree to be equal by shaking hands concept

A man and a woman come together and agree to be equal by shaking hands concept


The struggle for women's rights and gender equality has been driven by impactful speeches and quotes that have ignited movements and inspired actual change.

The voices of women who have pushed for equality in every sphere of life remind us of the ongoing struggle and the progress that has been achieved.


Key Quotes

Susan B. Anthony: "There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers."

Insight: As a pioneer of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States, Susan B. Anthony's words highlight the importance of women's participation in politics and lawmaking to achieve true equality.


Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: "We should all be feminists."

Insight: In her book and speech that became a viral sensation, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie calls for a renewed understanding and embracing of feminism, defining it as a belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.


Actionable Steps


Educate Yourself and Others: Read books, watch documentaries, and attend talks on gender equality to better understand the issues and the history behind them.

Support Women-Led Initiatives: Whether it’s a local business or a political campaign, supporting women leaders is crucial for moving towards equality.

Advocate in Your Community: Use your voice in your local community or online to support policies and initiatives that promote gender equality.


Next Steps

Continue the conversation by sharing this post and discussing it with friends, family, and colleagues.

Ask them about the quotes that have inspired them and share your stories of empowerment and change.

Some links on our blog may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them.

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