11 Strong Women Quotes To Empower and Inspire

Celebrating the extraordinary women who have come before us is an important part of honoring American history and empowering future generations. By examining the legacies and motivational quotes of these powerful women, we tap into something powerful within ourselves. Whether you’re raising a family, seeking relationship advice, building a business (like Sheryl Sandberg or Melinda Gates), or simply looking for a daily dose of encouragement, motivational quotes on women’s empowerment and the wise words of remarkable women throughout history can provide the inspiration you need.

The Best Quotes From Strong Women

The strong women quotes below show just how many ways there are to impact women’s rights. Each inspires, encourages, and motivates differently.

1. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt speaks to the importance of believing in yourself. Too often, we fall short of realizing our goals because we don’t think the bigger dream is possible. When we keep our eye on the prize, however, we take steps that build a better future for all.

2. “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” — Maya Angelou 

This quote by writer and activist Maya Angelou speaks to the many ways women have shown up for each other in both the present and the past, and suggests that great things happen when we work together. 

3. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” — Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn wasn’t just a movie star and fashion icon. She was also a woman of immense humanity, a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. She is as much known for her kindness and elegance as her presence on the big screen, which is why it’s easy to believe her when she reminds us that, truly, anything is possible.

4. “The future of our world is only as bright as the future of our girls.” — Michelle Obama  

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is a champion of women and girls, speaking for and to her own daughters, as well as women across America and the world. This quote speaks to the generational importance of building a better world for our daughters and how the next generation will do wonderful things.

5. “Life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” — Marilyn Monroe

Sometimes, we need that all-important reminder that life is good. Actress and icon Marilyn Monroe gives us that reminder with this inspiring and positive quote. When the days are challenging, or we struggle with our responsibilities at work or home, taking a step back and looking at the wonderful things that make life special can be a tremendous help. If you’re looking for ways to see the good and beautiful in life every day, consider starting a gratitude journal. You’ll be amazed by life’s small but special daily gifts.

6. “A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is a stepping stone to greatness.” — Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most iconic self-made women in history. Over the course of her career, she’s spoken of the endeavors that did not work out in her favor, and the failures that, ultimately, led to her current success. It is a willingness to fail that allows us to be our best selves.

7. “I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg entered the field of law, there was nearly no place in it for women. She forged ahead, however, and in the end, became the standard bearer for women in law. With this inspirational quote, she reminds us that with hard work, we can all make a difference. Today, Justice Ginsburg is remembered for exactly that.  

8. “Dreaming is a form of planning.” — Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem has long used her role as a writer and journalist to further the cause of women’s rights. Her work and the efforts she inspired have been instrumental in the fight for gender equality in both the US and abroad. Here, she reminds us that everything starts with an idea. Before we take the first step toward making a difference; before we start a business; before we start a family — we must dream about what that future looks like. To dream is to create a path for ourselves. It’s to take the very first step on a journey that might make all the difference. 

9. “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai has rewritten her personal trauma as a tool for creating a better world. Her experience at the hands of the Taliban sparked a global rallying cry for women’s rights, and she remains a staunch and inspiring leader for all women. With this quote, she speaks to the importance of education, and of how even the smallest efforts to educate can make the biggest differences. Whether we have all the resources in the world or a pen and a single sheet of paper, we are capable of achieving great and wonderful things.

10. “Being defiant can be a good thing. ” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a fiction and non-fiction writer who analyzes culture through a historical lens. It is from this perspective that she reminds us of the importance of standing up for ourselves. In the face of injustice, when those we love or the things that matter most to us are threatened, dissent is an act of love and goodness.

11. “We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” — Marie Curie

Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, and she remains the only woman to have won it twice. In the fields of physics and chemistry, she forged new paths and made discoveries that advanced the world. With this quote, she embraces life’s challenges, acknowledging that though the journey may be difficult, we are more than capable of surviving hot water and high mountains. It is with belief in oneself that we truly and ultimately make a difference.

Final Thoughts

On difficult days in our own lives, it can be helpful to consider the words and powerful quotes of strong women who have come before us. Women have been making waves and statements throughout history. These strong women quotes remind us that the fights, struggles, and victories you see are not in vain. We are part of a much larger history, an ever-evolving story of justice, equality, and humanity. No matter where your path may lead, these women can provide empowering quotes that will help you to realize your own journey, whether in business, family, or life.