Look, as women, we know we possess strength in spades. However, sometimes, we’re made to feel otherwise.
Just think about it: with every decision Donald Trump makes on behalf of the “free” world’s female population, along with the shocking rates of violence against women in Australia, it’s fair to say that, time to time, it may feel a little challenging to be a woman.
But we’re not here to groan about the things that grind our gears (even if the fact that the tampon tax hasn’t been axed causes us to drop a swear word every time we pop a pack into our shopping trolleys…).
Instead, we have collated 12 of the most empowering (and downright hilarious) quotes about being a woman to motivate, inspire and remind you of the many super-points of womanhood.
Because, life’s too short to let a little narrow-mindedness wear you out.
1. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey on double standards
“Matthew McConaughey did amazing work this year. For his role in Dallas Buyers Club, he lost 45lbs or what actresses call being in a movie.” — Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
2. Sarah Silverman on raising girls
“Stop telling girls they can be anything they want when they grow up. I think it’s a mistake. Not because they can’t, but because it would have never occurred to them that they couldn’t.” — Sarah Silverman
3. Hillary Clinton on equality
“To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable, powerful, and deserving of every opportunity in the world and every chance to pursue your dreams.” — Hillary Clinton
4. Gloria Steinem on women’s need for men
“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” — Gloria Steinem
5. Amal Clooney on the sisterhood
“The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other, and this is something we can practise every day, no matter where we are and what we do — women sticking up for other women, choosing to protect and celebrate each other instead of competing or criticizing one another.” — Amal Clooney
6. Princess Diana on fulfillment
“People think at the end of the day that a man is the only answer [to fulfillment]. Actually, a job is better for me.” — Princess Diana
7. Michelle Obama on education
“There is no boy cute enough or interesting enough to stop you from getting an education.” — Michelle Obama
8. Malala on speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves
“I raise up my voice — not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” ― Malala Yousafzai
9. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey (again) on being the woman behind every man
“Amal is a human rights lawyer who worked on the Enron case, was an advisor to Kofi Annan regarding Syria, and was selected to a three person U.N. commission investigating rules of war violations in the Gaza Strip. So tonight, her husband is getting a lifetime achievement award.” — Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
10. Beyoncé on being Beyoncé
“I’m not bossy, I’m the boss.” – Beyoncé
11. Emma Watson on courage
“I think women are scared of feeling powerful and strong and brave sometimes. There’s nothing wrong with being afraid. It’s not the absence of fear, it’s overcoming it and sometimes you just have to blast through and have faith.” — Emma Watson
12. Anna Kendrick on staying strong
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together” — Anna Kendrick
