100+ International Women’s Day Quotes for Empowering Women

Who are the strongest women in your life? While supporting and celebrating your gal pals is something you do year-round, a day set aside to commemorate strong women around the world is a holiday we can get on-board with! International Women’s Day is a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is #EachforEqual, calling for a gender-equal world. The day marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

We have rounded up over 100 International Women’s Day quotes to inspire you to cheer on the empowered ladies in your life every day! Prior to jumping in, let’s learn more about the origin of International Women’s Day and look back at the advancements women have made.

History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has been observed since the 1900s stemming from a time of political unrest and beginning when 15,000 women marching through New York demanding voting and workers rights. By 2014, it was celebrated in more than 100 countries, and had been made an official holiday in more than 25 countries.

So what do you say to a strong woman on Women’s Day? Use our guide to offer an empowering greeting or message to every strong woman you come across. Browse our list of over 100 different International Women’s Day quotes or jump straight to specific categories like inspirational strong women quotes for more personal greetings!

International Women’s Day Quotes

Let’s kick off this list with quotes created by and for the holiday itself! These messages have been commonly heard at marches, during inspirational talks and in empowering speeches given by some of the most active and most celebrated women in history. Find the perfect International Women’s Day quote for the woman who’s words and actions empower you!

1. “Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” –  Unknown

2. “I’m grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”  – Maya Angelou, Poet

3. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States

4. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa, Activist

5. “Women’s value has been under-recognized for far too long.” – Sidney Sheldon, Writer

6. “You can always tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building one another up instead of tearing each other down.” –Unknown

7. “She wasn’t looking for a knight. She was looking for a sword.” – Atticus, Poet

8. “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” – Unknown

9. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady of the United States

10. “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.” Hillary Clinton, American politician

11. “Women are made to be loved, not understood.” – Oscar Wilde, Poet

12. “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson, Feminist

13. “Some women fear the fire. Some women simply become it.” – R.H. Sin, Author

14. “I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.” – Mary Shelley, Novelist

15. “You don’t have to play masculine to be a strong woman.” – Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Actress

Inspirational Quotes for Strong Women

There’s a strong woman in all of us, so this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate her! Use this list of inspirational strong women quotes that inspire courage and acknowledge women who don’t fear a challenge!

16. “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady of the United States

17. “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” Melinda Gates, American philanthropist

18. “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks, Civil rights activist

19. “You cannot be broken because you are a diamond, tougher than nails and a jewel in the rough.” – Unknown

20. “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. A woman must do what he can’t.” – Rhonda Hansome, Comedian

21. “Like anything learned, bravery needs to be practiced.” Caroline Paul, Author

22. “She’s everything; even when she’s treated like nothing.” –R.H. Sin, Author

23. “The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself and shine amongst those who never believed she could.” – Unknown

24. “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” – Unknown

25. “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” Serena Williams, Athlete

26. “A strong woman builds her own world. She is one who is wise enough to know that it will attract the man she will gladly share it with.”– Ellen J. Barrier, Singer/Songwriter

27. “A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.” – Gina Carey, Filmmaker

Quotes About Women Empowerment

For the female who lifts others before herself, a special greeting is needed. Use one of the following female empowerment quotes for the woman who supports others with her wisdom and grace.

28. A charming woman doesn’t follow the crowd; she is herself.” – Loretta Young, Actress

29. “Your life isn’t yours if you constantly care what others think.” – Unknown

30. “Real queens fix each other’s crowns.” – Unknown

31. “I am a woman, what’s your superpower?” – Unknown

32. “The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.” Roseanne Barr, Actress

33. “The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.” – Beyonce, Singer

34. “When women support each other, incredible things happen.” – Unknown

35. “Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.” Viola Davis, Actress

36. “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” – Katherine Hepburn, Actress

37. “She believed she could, so she did.” – Unknown

38. “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” Judy Garland, Actress

39. “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” – Margaret Fuller, American journalist

40. “I don’t know a woman alive who isn’t courageous.” – Reese Witherspoon, Actress

41. A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” –Melinda Gates, American philanthropist

42. “Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry.” – Gloria Steinem, Journalist

43. “Her soul is fierce, her heart is brave, her mind is strong.” – Unknown

44. “Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.” – Unknown

45. “She promised better things for herself, so she sought out those things and never looked back.” –  Unknown

46. “Some days, she has no idea how she’ll do it. But every single day, it still gets done.” – Unknown

Positive Quotes for Women

During hard times, staying positive can be the strongest thing someone can do. Celebrate the lady in your life who always keeps a smile on her face no matter what challenges she faces with these positive quotes for women!

47. “The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence.” –Blake Lively, Actress

48. “Strong back.  Soft front. Wild heart. Just be you.” –Brene Brown, Professor

49. “Be the woman you needed as a girl.” –Unknown

50. “You have just one life to live. It is yours. Own it, claim it, live it, do the best you can with it.” Hillary Clinton, American politician

51. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou, Poet

52. “Females are strong as hell.”  – Unknown

53. “A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everyone else.” –Unknown

54. “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” Audrey Hepburn, Actress

55. “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

56. “You are a woman; that is your superpower.” – Unknown

57. “Find out who you are and be that person.” Ellen Degeneres, Comedian

58. “The most courageous act is to think for yourself. Aloud.” Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer

Successful Women Quotes

Capture the spirit of this holiday by wishing a lady boss you know a “Happy International Women’s Day” celebratory message with one of our successful women quotes.

59. “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” – Hillary Clinton, America politician

60. “Success if only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” – Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States

61. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – Oprah Winfrey, Executive

62. “There’s nothing a man can do that I can’t do better and in heels.” – Ginger Rogers, Actress

63. “Behind every successful woman, is herself”. – Unknown

64. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart, Aviator

65. “Women are the real architects of society.” – Cher, Singer

66. “If you have a dream, make it a goal.” – Unknown

67. “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.” –Margaret Thatcher, Former British Prime Minister

68. “I can and I will. Watch me.” – Carrie Green, Entrepreneur

69. “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.” – W.E.B. Dubois, Sociologist

Motivational Quotes for Women

If you come across a lady who needs a little pep-talk on this day, use one of our motivational quotes for women to inspire resilience! Reminder her of her greatness with one of these encouraging quotes for women!

70. “To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her what she can.” – Spanish Proverb

71. “Above all, be the heroine of your life. Not the victim.” – Nora Ephron, Journalist

72. “Life is tough, my darling, but so are you.” – Stephanie Bennett-Henry, Poet

73. “We realize the importance of our voice when we are silenced.” – Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist

74. “Sometimes it takes balls to be a woman.” – Unknown

75. “We all have a ‘Wonder Woman’ inside of us.” – Unknown

76. “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand, Writer

77. “You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.” Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar

78. “Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.” – Unknown

79. “Don’t stop until you’re proud.” – Unknown

80. “In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits” – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Former Governor of California

81. “Stop waiting to find the light at the end of the tunnel and be the light for yourself.” – Unknown

82. “Everyone’s dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.” Serena Williams, Athlete

Inspiring Quotes for Young Women

Raising strong girls means empowering them while they are young! Use these inspiring quotes for young women to share how much they can sparkle and shine!

83. “The best protection any woman can have is courage.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Social Activist

84. “Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.” Ellen Degeneres, Comedian

85. “One is not born a woman, one becomes one.” – Simone De Beauvoir, Writer

86. “As soon as I had enough agency in my life to grow up, I became who I am.” Janet Mock, Writer

87. “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside” Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer

88. “Extremists have shown what frightens them most: A girl with a book.” Malala Tousafzai, Pakistani activist

89. “Begin each day as if it were on purpose.” Mary Anne Radmacher, Author

90. “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.” J.K. Rowling, Author

91. “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.”  – Beyonce

92. “Little girls with dreams become women with vision.” – Unknown

93. “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.” – Unknown

94. “Where there is a woman, there is magic.” –  Ntozake Shange, Playwright

95. “A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.” – Coco Chanel, Designer

96. “Girls should never be afraid to be smart.” – Emma Watson, Actress

97. “Sometimes it’s the princess who kills the dragon and saves the prince.” – Samuel Lowe, Finding Samuel Lowe

98. “I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world.” –Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist

99. “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” Toni Morrison, Author

100. “She’s a mess of gorgeous chaos, and you can see it in her eyes.” – Unknown

101. “Know what your worth is and then add tax to that amount.” – Unknown

Although the holiday comes once a year, use these International Women’s Day quotes everyday to inspire the female leaders that surround you to keep pushing forward and promoting positive change! All it takes is a simple uplifting greeting, a thoughtful text or writing one of our warm wishes on a card that reminds the strong women in your life to celebrate themselves. For more ideas on how to support and treat lady leaders, browse our creative gifts and celebratory International Women’s Day flowers that wish warm thoughts without saying a word.