2023 International Women’s Day: Messages, posts, photos and quotes on social media

International Women’s Day (IWD) is being celebrated around the world today, 8 March as it has for more than a century since it began in 1911. The day recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally, and it’s a call to action for gender parity.

This year the theme is #Embrace Equity, recognizing that “equal opportunities aren’t enough” and each individual or group of people begin with different circumstances and aims to give everyone what they need in order to succeed, while acknowledging that what they need will be different. “Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA,”

Organisers are asking supporters to “Share your #EmbraceEquity image, video, resources, presentation, and articles across social media using #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity to encourage others to help forge an inclusive world.”

Quotes from inspirational women

“Tremendous amounts of talent are being lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.” - Shirley Anita Chisholm

“A girl should not expect special privileges because of her sex but neither should she adjust to prejudice and discrimination.” – Betty Friedan

“I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.” - Rosa Parks

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” - Malala Yousafzai

“There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.” – Michelle Obama

“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” – Ruth Bader Ginsberg

“I don’t have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I’m as good as anybody, but no better.” – Katherine Johnson

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

“We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers.” – Emmeline Pankhurst

“Feminism isn’t simply about being a woman in a position of power. It’s battling systemic inequities; it’s a social justice movement that believes sexism, racism and classism exist and interconnect, and that they should be consistently challenged.” - Jessica Valenti

“I’m basically a feminist. I think that women can do anything they decide to do.” - Grace Kelly

“You just gotta keep going and fighting for everything, and one day you’ll get to where you want. In a perfect dream, things would be set exactly the way you would want them. But I think it’s more interesting that in real life, things aren’t exactly the way you planned.” - Naomi Osaka

“The best protection any woman can have is courage.” - Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” – Jane Goodall

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

See also: Women in charge, International Women’s Day feature

A token of remembrance; best quotes by women on International Women’s Day

“Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.” – Hillary Clinton

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart

“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.” - Gloria Steinem

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Messages from social media for International Women’s Day 2023

Throughout the day we will post messages from social media