A token of remembrance; best quotes by women on International Women’s Day
The words women speak about themselves and to each other can be the catalyst for significant change in any society. And we’re here to remind of you of that on international Women’s Day.
The day we, women, celebrate our history, struggles, our overcomings, and triumphs.
The day we remind ourselves of the mighty women who stood before us and changed the narrative for hundreds of generations, as well as those who weren’t fortunate enough to be heard.
And while we continuously fight for and hope for a world to be a better place, where all women are treated with love, care, and respect and given the freedom to explore their lives in every which way they desire, we are here today to celebrate our existence and our right to live.
Happy Women’s Day, my fellow fighters!
As a token of gratitude, I put together a list of some of the most powerful quotes I’ve come across from powerhouse women, some whom I’ve met. These quotes aren’t just meant to inspire and move us, but they’re also meant to remind us of our worth- of the gift that each of us was given- and allow us to reflect on our purpose, keep finding it, nourish it, and protect it.
And what’s a better one to start with than one of Malala Yousafzai’s inevitably moving messages: “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.”
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The power of stars
And just before I take you down legend road with me, I wanted to share a few quotes from a few of the incredible women I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk to today.
Suzanne McFadden, the guru on woman’s sport in New Zealand and the brains behind ‘the Locker Room- the first site in the country dedicated just to women’s sport- spoke with me about the power of example. McFadden shared that she’s a firm believer that “if she can’t see it, she can’t be it,” and that that’s her drive to continue shining the light on women in the sports field.
I also spoke with Angela Walker, an author/writer who just published an autobiography of the legendary Olympic Gold medalist, Dame Yvette Williams, ‘Ideals are like Stars’. She’s also a rhythmic gymnastics Olympian herself,
Walker was kind enough to read out her favorite quote to me, inspired by Williams’ story: “Ideals are like stars. You will not succeed touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them, you will reach your destination.”
Last but not least, I’ve had the chance to talk to a legendary Egyptian Olympic swimmer today that I’m also proud to call my friend, Farida Osman. Osman shared her personal motto in life with me- one that not only got her to become an all-Africa Games gold medalist and Egypt’s fastest female swimmer in history, but also a three-time Olympian who continues to break records in her country, continent, and in the world.
“What you do on your bad days, rather than your good ones is what counts,” said Osman. “Everyone can have an amazing day when they’re feeling their best, but it’s about what you do on your bad days- whether you’re down, you’re sick, you’re not feeling it. It’s about how you show up, how you control your mindset and give it your all no matter how you’re feeling….that’s the champion mentality. ❤️”
And with that, it’s time for your next favorite list of quotes by women who surely continue to rock our world with their presence:
And lastly, I’d like to end this piece with a personal quote of mine to share with all of you, one that doesn’t seem to leave my side on the hardest, and brightest of days:
“Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible to do something. Where you were born, what you speak, what you believe in, and what you do should not slow you down. Everything is possible, if you believe in yourself, in starting somewhere, and working really hard for it. No one ever got far in life by being like everyone else.”