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I was very young when I realized that the world was unfairly tilted to the disadvantage of women. 

As someone who has been reading for most of my life, I like to think that I’ve lived several lives. 

And in many of those lives, I’ve walked in the shoes of women who have been thrust into the worst situations. 

If it’s not being discouraged from following our dreams, it’s being deliberately shut out of spaces. 

And when it feels like every single day brings another challenge, it can be an awful feeling.

But what I love the most is that so many women in the past – and I know many more in the future – have shared their voices to remind us of who we are. 

Through these women, we are reminded that we deserve peace in this world, that we have the right to occupy the spaces we are in, and that we can reach our fullest potential no matter what.

In this post, I’ve gathered some of my personal favorite feminist quotes, sourced from books, poems, documents, and even some whose origins have been lost to history. 

These quotes have inspired me in so many different ways, and I just know you’re going to love them too.

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

Eleanor Roosevelt, who was more than just the First Lady, was a champion for human rights and believed in the power of self-worth. 

This quote reminds us that no matter what anyone says or does, we hold the key to how we feel about ourselves. 

If we believe in our value, no one can take that from us.

I’ve definitely struggled with self-doubt, especially when I start something new or face criticism. 

But this quote always brings me back to the fact that no one’s opinion should affect my sense of self. 

It’s something I try to remember every time I put my work out there.

Book Recommendation: You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt is a beautiful read about finding your inner strength and standing firm in your beliefs.

2. “I am not free to simply be. I am a woman who has to prove her worth.”  –  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an incredible Nigerian author and feminist. 

This feminist quote speaks to how women often feel the pressure to prove themselves, even when they shouldn’t have to. 

Society loves to question women’s worth, but we know that women are amazing just as they are.

I think this resonates with me as I continue my writing journey.

There’s always that pressure to be “good enough” or “worthy enough” in a world that often sets high expectations. 

But I try to remember that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m enough as I am, just like all women.

Book Recommendation: If you haven’t yet, We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a must-read. It’s short but packed with powerful insights.

3. “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was an amazing poet and activist, and her work was all about the struggles of women, especially Black women. 

This quote hits home because it reminds us that true freedom means lifting others up, not just ourselves. 

For me, this really ties into how I try to create content that speaks to diverse women, sharing experiences that resonate across different backgrounds. 

It’s a good reminder that no one is truly free until every woman can live the life she chooses.

Book recommendation: Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde. It’s a great way to dive into her world of poetry and essays, where she talks a lot about solidarity.

4. “Women are the real architects of society.”  –  Harriet Beecher Stowe

Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, was an advocate for justice. 

This quote reflects her belief that women shape the world in ways that are often overlooked. 

Whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or in society, women are the quiet force that keeps everything together.

I’ve always been inspired by the women in my life who build strong communities and make a difference, even without recognition. 

I want to be someone who contributes to making the world better, in any way I can, while honoring the efforts of women who have been doing this for generations.

Book Recommendation: Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is an emotional and historical novel that speaks to the importance of fighting for justice.

5. “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”  –  Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg, who is known for her work at Facebook, stresses the need for women to be in leadership roles. 

Women’s voices are too often overlooked in discussions, but when we have women at the top, we can start to reshape society in meaningful ways.

I feel strongly about this one. 

I’ve seen how important it is for women to have a seat at the table, and I try to support women in leadership, both in the workplace and beyond.

I believe in equality for all, and this quote is a reminder that we all have a role in making that happen.

Book Recommendation: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg is a fantastic read on women’s leadership and how we can all push for more equality in the workplace.

6. “Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.”  –  Cheris Kramarae

This quote by Cheris Kramarae is simple but powerful. 

Feminism is about recognizing that women are human beings, with the same rights and dignity as everyone else. 

It’s not a radical idea – it’s just the truth.

I love this because it strips everything back to the basics. 

Women deserve the same rights and respect as men. It’s as simple as that. 

I try to remind myself of this every day, and it encourages me to continue speaking up for women’s equality wherever I can.

Book Recommendation: Manifesta by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards is a great read if you want to dive into modern feminism and what it means for the future.

7. “Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.” – Cheris Kramarae

Cheris Kramarae, a feminist scholar, put this simple but powerful idea out there. 

It’s about recognizing women for who they are, fully human – no more, no less. 

It’s so easy to forget that we’re not defined by the roles society gives us, and reading this quote reminds me to celebrate the women around me for their whole selves. 

For me, as I build my blog, I want to help people see women as more than just labels or roles – they’re multifaceted and worthy of respect in every way.

Book Recommendation: The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir is perfect to explore the deeper layers of gender roles, this book’s a great classic to understand how society shapes our identities.

8. “A woman is not born, but made.” – Simone de Beauvoir

Simone de Beauvoir was a philosopher who really dug deep into the idea that womanhood isn’t something we’re born into, but rather something we’re shaped into by society. 

It makes me think about how I’ve come to understand myself over time. 

I’ve learned so much about breaking free from those expectations, and I see it as a continual journey of self-discovery, which is why I want to keep creating content that helps others do the same.

9. “Women have been taught to be so strong that we have forgotten how to be tender. We have learned how to stand alone and to defend ourselves, but we have forgotten how to stand together.” – Audre Lorde

This is another gem from Audre Lorde. 

It’s about how women have been conditioned to be self-reliant, and while that’s great, it often makes us forget the strength in community. 

I know for me, as I’ve worked on my blog, I’ve found it so important to reach out to others, to learn from them, and to share knowledge. 

The collective power of women supporting women can make so much difference.

Book Recommendation: Sisterhood Is Powerful edited by Robin Morgan and it’s full of inspiring essays that really hit on the idea of building each other up.

10. “I am not free as long as there is a single woman who is unfree.” – Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem is a legend in the feminist movement, and this quote is one of those that sticks with you. 

It’s a reminder that women’s freedom is tied to the freedom of all women. 

I think a lot about the women in my life and the ones I haven’t met yet – some of us have more freedom than others, but the struggle is shared. 

Book Recommendation: My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem is a must-read if you’re curious about her journey and how she fought for women’s rights.

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

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the most iconic figures in law and justice, gave us this powerful quote. 

It’s about women being a part of the conversation at all levels, not as exceptions but as equals. 

Thinking about this makes me reflect on how important it is to make sure women’s voices are heard in all areas of life. 

Whether it’s in the workplace or in personal decisions, we should never have to feel like an outlier.

Book Recommendation: She shares so many thoughts on justice, equality, and women’s rights in her memoir, My Own Words, and this is one of the best memoirs by women ever. 

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

This quote expands feminism beyond just women. 

It’s about equality for everyone, men and women alike. 

I’ve always believed that feminism isn’t about putting women over men but about breaking down barriers for both. 

As I continue to shape my blog, I want to focus on creating a space where both men and women can discuss relationships and personal development. 

At the end of the day, it’s about shared respect and growth.

Book recommendation: The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is a key feminist text that looks at the ways society pressures women into certain roles and explores the consequences of that.

13. “I am not a free woman if I am not free to choose.” – Betty Friedan

Betty Friedan is another trailblazer in the feminist movement, and this quote sums up the heart of her work. 

Women must have the freedom to make their own choices – about everything from careers to relationships to how we spend our time. 

It makes me reflect on how I want to empower others to make choices that truly reflect who they are, without societal pressures. 

Freedom is something we all deserve, and I try to center that message in everything I create.

14. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama, First Lady and advocate for girls’ education and empowerment, gave us this empowering quote. 

It’s a reminder that we can do anything if we put our minds to it. 

The sky’s the limit for women, and I want to keep pushing myself to be better, learn more, and share everything I can to help other women do the same.

Book Recommendation: If you haven’t read her memoir, then you absolutely need to – it’s an amazing story of resilience, growth, and the power of believing in yourself.

15. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion and redefined womanhood in the process. 

Her quote is a bold statement about being true to yourself, even when society tries to silence you. 

I’ve definitely found this to be true in my own life – whether it’s writing content that’s true to my beliefs or simply being honest with myself about what I want. 

The courage to speak up and live authentically is one I want to carry forward.

Book recommendation: If you’re interested in how Chanel became such an icon, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo is a great way to understand her journey.

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

Ayn Rand is often remembered for her philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes individualism and self-reliance. 

This quote, about not waiting for permission, speaks to the heart of confidence and determination. 

I think it’s important to trust in your own vision and not let others’ opinions define your path.

Book Recommendation: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is a hefty read, but it really dives into her philosophy about freedom and individualism.

17. “You are your best thing.” – Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison was an incredible writer who used her work to explore identity, race, and womanhood. 

This quote is a reminder that the most important thing is your own self-worth. 

I often reflect on this when I feel overwhelmed or self-doubt creeping in. 

It’s important to trust yourself and value who you are, no matter what anyone else says.

18. “Never be deceived that the rich will allow you to vote away their wealth.” – Lucy Parsons

Lucy Parsons was an activist and one of the first to speak out about economic injustice in America. 

Her quote emphasizes the need to recognize how power structures work and the barriers to true equality. 

It makes me think about how I approach issues in my own life – whether it’s in discussions about inequality or when advocating for fairness. 

Change doesn’t come easily, but it’s worth pushing for.

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

Amelia Earhart is known for her daring aviation feats, but this quote is more about the mindset behind those feats. 

It’s so easy to get stuck in the planning phase, but the real challenge is taking that first step. 

For me, as I work on my content and pursue different projects, I often remind myself that the hardest part is starting. 

Once you do that, the rest just requires persistence.

Book Recommendation: One More Good Flight by Richard E. Gillespie is a detailed look at her life and career, packed with insights into her determination and pioneering spirit.

20. “Do not bring people into your life who weigh you down. And that includes people who can’t stand to see you grow.” – Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey’s words about growth and self-care really resonate with me. 

As I work on building my own brand and developing content that feels true to me, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of surrounding myself with people who lift me up. 

It’s so easy to get caught up in relationships that aren’t healthy, but cutting out negativity is key to moving forward.

Book Recommendation: The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey is a beautiful collection of life lessons shared during her SuperSoul Sunday conversations.

21. “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”  –  Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

This famous quote by historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich points out that those who challenge the norms and dare to defy expectations are often the ones who create lasting change. 

History has mostly been written by those who didn’t always play by the rules, and women who did so often made the biggest impact.

I love this quote because it reminds me that sometimes breaking the mold and being unconventional is how we make our mark in the world. 

Personally, I’ve always wanted to carve out my own path, and I feel this is something I’ll continue to embrace as I build my blog and other projects.

I hope to inspire others to take risks and be bold in their own lives.

Do you have a favorite feminist quote that you think everyone should know?

Let me know in the comments below!

And before you go, be sure to check out this post about my favorite fictional female characters. 

If you’re looking for some fantastic book recommendations, head over to this page – it’s packed with posts that are perfect for celebrating Women’s History Month!