Strength, courage, determination: 12 Powerful quotes by women leaders to inspire you

When we think back on our lives, it’s hard not to remember the countless sacrifices our mothers have made for us. They’ve been there guiding us through childhood, helping us navigate challenges and ensuring we were always well cared for. Their dedication and love have been constant in our lives. So, when we’re asked who the strongest woman we know, it’s our mothers who come to mind. But strength is not confined to just our mothers, it is a quality shared by women everywhere. Every woman has strength, courage and determination.

While there are several days in a year where we celebrate women in our lives, one such day is dedicated to cherishing her strength and power. Known as Women’s Equality Day, it is celebrated on August 26th and commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, that granted women the right to vote. This day is a tribute to the efforts of activists who fought hard and long for women’s rights and equality.

On this special day, join us as we delve into powerful quotes on women empowerment that are a source of inspiration and motivation for all.

“Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men.” —  Katherine Johnson

American mathematician Katherine Johnson highlights the potential of women and girls in these lines. She emphasises on how they are capable of achieving great feats in any field. She acknowledges that women often bring additional creativity and vision to their tasks when compared to others. Her words stress on the importance of empowering and supporting women to reach their full potential.

“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” — Rihanna

In this quote, Barbadian singer Rihanna talks about her admiration for women who succeed in areas traditionally dominated by men. She elaborates how achieving this requires a blend of great qualities like grace, strength, intelligence and courage. She states that such women push through obstacles with determination and prove that they can excel in any field.

“I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”— Malala Yousafzai

Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai talks about her commitment to speaking out for those who cannot, especially in the fight for education and equality. She believes that true progress is possible when everyone has the chance to succeed and that holding back women and girls limits the potential of an entire society. Her words inspire us to support and uplift each other for the benefit of all.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are made … It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”— Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Here, American lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg states that women should have equal representation and influence in all areas where important decisions are made. She argues that it’s not right for women to be seen as exceptions and that their voices are essential for fair decision-making. The legendary lawyer advocates for inclusion and equality everywhere.

“The glass ceiling will go away when women help other women break through that ceiling.”— Indra Nooyi

Indian-born American business executive Indra Nooyi highlights how overcoming barriers requires support and solidarity among women. She emphasises that by helping each other succeed, women can overcome great hurdles and create a more equal environment for everyone. Her words inspire women to lift each other up and make it possible for more and more women to achieve their utmost potential.

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” — Melinda Gates

American philanthropist Melinda Gates defines a strong woman as one who has the courage to speak up and express one’s opinions, no matter what. She states that when women use their voices to advocate for themselves and others, they show true courage and power. Consequently, it is this, using of their voices, that changes the world.

“Women have to harness their power—it’s absolutely true. It’s just learning not to take the first no. And if you can’t go straight ahead, you go around the corner.” — Cher

American singer and actress Cher talks about the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness for women. In this quote, she highlights the harnessing of one’s power—it means not giving up and being willing to find alternative paths to achieve one’s goals. Cher stresses that one’s grit and determination is key to success.

“With each generation, women’s ability to live the lives they choose reaches a place their grandmothers never thought possible. But that doesn’t mean everything is perfect or that our work is finished.” — Cathy McMorris Rodgers

American politician Cathy McMorris Rodgers talks about the progress women have made over the generations, achieving opportunities and freedoms that were once unimaginable. She also acknowledges that despite these advancements, there is still work to be done. Her words remind us to celebrate our progress while continuing to strive for improvements in women’s rights.

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” — Audre Lord

This quote elaborates on how fear becomes less of a concern when we use our strength and abilities to pursue our goals and dreams. American writer Audre Lorde emphasises that embracing our power and purpose helps reduce the impact of fear within. She encourages us to focus on what we want to achieve rather than being held back by our fears. And steadily enough, the fear we feel begins to dissolve.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall

English zoologist Jane Goodall talks about the importance of our actions and their impact on the world. Goodall encourages us to be mindful of the choices we make and to consider the kind of positivity we want to bring about. Her words inspire us to take responsibility for our actions and to use our efforts to create positive differences in the world.

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

This quote is a powerful reminder for young girls to recognise their own worth and potential. Here, American politician Hillary Clinton encourages women to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams with confidence, knowing they deserve every opportunity to succeed. Her words aim to inspire the next generation to reach for their goals without hesitation or doubt.

“A woman is like a tea bag—you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

American political figure Eleanor Roosevelt states that a woman’s true strength often becomes evident during challenging times. Roosevelt interestingly uses the metaphor of a tea bag steeped in hot water to show that, just like the tea releases its flavour under heat, a woman’s strength emerges when she faces difficulties. Her words remind us that adversity can reveal our inner strength and character.

These powerful quotes by remarkable women of our world serve as a reminder of the inherent strength and resilience in us and define true empowerment. By drawing from their wisdom, we are encouraged to harness our own power and contribute to a world where everyone can thrive.