International Women’s Day is a day for us all to imagine a world where women enjoy equality at all levels; an equal future, free from stigma, stereotypes, sexual abuse and violence. One that’s sustainable, peaceful and with equal rights and opportunities for all. To get us there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made.
This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” and it celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain.
To honour this, we have collated some truly powerful quotes by inspirational folk. Let’s hope with each passing day, we can move forward with stronger female leadership across the globe and equal rights for women of all nations, race, age, financial standing and lifestyle.
The Entrepreneurs
“I grew up in a house of four boys, with a strong and nurturing mother figure that taught us the importance of gender equality from an early age and that there was no difference between what a man and a woman can do. It seems a shame to me that we need a women’s day in order to recognise and celebrate women the world over. It should be something that is done every day. I look at my daughter and never imagine that she will have less opportunities and be treated differently because she is my daughter and not one of my sons. – Alan Meyerson, Co-Founder VARLAH Fitness Streaming platform
“To me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating the resilience and strength of women everywhere that have helped shape who and where we are today and recognising where we want to be tomorrow. The younger generation of girls today will be the women of tomorrow. More than ever before, they have a stronger voice and an array of platforms to deliver their messages on. I only hope that we can foster a supportive environment for women to have their voices truly heard not just for the betterment of themselves but for society.” – Lexy Meyerson, Co-Founder VARLAH Fitness Streaming platform
“We have the capacity as humans to retrain our minds, and to reconnect to our hearts.” – Tom Cronin meditation teacher and co-author and producer of The Portal book and film
“Women should be encouraged to do more than break the glass ceiling, instead, they should build their own towers. Women make up half the world, and so too should they the business world. When they do we will all happier and better off.” Richard Branson
The celebs
“I was smart enough to go through any door that opened.” – Joan Rivers
“I felt like it was time to set up my future, so I set a goal. My goal was independence.” – Beyoncé Knowles Carter
“At some point, you have to make a decision. Boundaries don’t keep other people out. They fence you in. Life is messy. That’s how we’re made. So, you can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” – Shonda Rhimes
“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” – Oprah Winfrey
“When I’m tired, I rest. I say, ‘I can’t be a superwoman today.” – Jada Pinkett Smith
“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece, after all.” – Libby Armytage (mother of Samantha Armytage).
The Leaders And Thought Leaders
“I hope that she doesn’t feel any limitations. That she doesn’t have any sense of what girls can or can’t do. That it’s just not even a concept for her.” – NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, on her baby daughter, Neve.
“A good compromise is one where everybody makes a contribution.” – Angela Merkel
“If you can help someone, you should,” Irene Born (Olivia Newton John’s mother).
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Mother Teresa
“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
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron